Joseph A. Carafeno

Joseph A. Carafeno, 97, of Northford passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 27, 2025, in Wallingford, CT. He was the husband of the late Gladys "Susie" Carafeno. He was born in East Haven on April 21, 1928, to Pasquale and Jennie Milano Carafeno.

Joe was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Army and served with honor from 1951 to 1953 in France and Germany during the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the VFW. Joe worked for the American Crucible Co. in North Haven for many years. He was known for his innovative ideas and hard work, developing high speed steel, stainless steel and alloy. Joe was later employed by the Piggyback Service for the New Haven Railroad. He was a member of the Teamsters Union Local 443. Joe enjoyed carpentry, restoring vintage cars, building live steam trains and gardening. He was also an avid oil painter. Joe could build or fix just about anything, affectionately deeming him the nickname "the Joe of all trades" by Susie, his loving wife of 55 years. Joe also loved horses, and used to ride in the rodeo in his younger days.

Joe is predeceased by sisters Mary (Herbie) Babcock and Geneva Carafeno Bellanger; brothers Marco, Patrick and Edward Carafeno; nephews Kenneth Babcock, Alan Rosa, and niece Roberta Carafeno Rasba.

He is survived by his sister Janet Rosa. Daughters Desiree Carafeno, Cindy (Dena) Carafeno, and Brenda (Mark) Calamita. Eight grandchildren Joey, Angela, Nicky, Steven, and Eric Biase; Alexis and Austin (Serena) Calamita, and Savannah (the late Charlie) Fiskio, and three great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Richard Rhee and staff at Northeast Medical Group, the compassionate care given by all at Regency House in Wallingford and most recently hospice care by Constellation.

Family and friends may visit Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will follow at Northford Cemetery, 27 Spruce St., Northford, CT.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, T2T.org.