Joseph James Farricielli

Joseph James Farricielli, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 80. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut on September 26, 1945, Joe was a lifelong resident of the state until he moved to Singer Island, Florida, where he spent his later years surrounded by family and friends.
In 1967 he married his beloved wife Jean (Paolella), and the two shared almost 60 years of love, laughter, and companionship. Together, they raised two sons, Vincent (Lesley) of Guilford, CT and Joseph Jr. (Denise) of Bronxville, NY. Joe was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren, Vincent (Daniela), Jonathan, Sophia, Leonardo, Fiona, Isabella, Joseph, III, Francesca and his soon-to-arrive great-grandson, Vincent Ivar.
In addition to his immediate family, Joseph is survived by his mother, Josephine DeCaprio Farricielli 106 years of life, he was a great brother to his sisters Laurie Farricielli Halla (John), Susan Farricielli Norbeck (Carl) and brothers in-law, Ralph, Robert (Michele) and Ronald Paolella. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his father, Vincent S. Farricielli and sister, Christina Farricielli Schaap.
Joe's early years were marked by academic achievement and leadership. A proud graduate of Notre Dame High School, class of 1963 in West Haven, he continued his education at Quinnipiac University in Hamden. At Quinnipiac, he was actively involved in campus life, serving as president of the freshman class, vice president of the junior class, and a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity.
A man of service and commitment to his community, Joe was involved in numerous organizations throughout his life. He was a proud member of the East Haven Jaycees, Branford Lions, Branford Economic Development Commission, including the Poinciana Club of Palm Beach, Palm Beach Yacht Club, Quinnipiac Club, Yale Graduate Club, Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club, and the Le Chaine des Rotisseurs. His love of community extended to his time as a member of Branford Italian American Club, Elks Club, Sons of Italy, the National Rifle Association, Knights of Columbus and the Connecticut Salmon Association.
Joe's career in public service began in 1974 when he was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly, where he served as a representative for the 102nd district until 1983. His leadership was evident as he chaired the Planning and Development Committee and served on the Regulation Review and Transportation Committees. Joe was instrumental in founding the first Hospice in the United States, which he was ultimately the benefactor of their services. He was a passionate advocate for his constituents, he also represented Connecticut on the national stage, attending the State and Legislative Assembly in Washington, D.C., and participating in international peace talks and conferences in Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and Finland.
Joe's entrepreneurial spirit was evident in his numerous business ventures. While studying at Quinnipiac, he worked at J. Johnson Kennedy Men's Clothing store and later began his career in real estate. He then founded Look Realty, which grew to three offices across the Greater New Haven area. His ventures also included Look Insurance Agency, which he operated while serving in the state legislature, as well as investing in several other businesses, including the "Beau Monde" men's clothing store, and a bus line that he expanded into a successful limousine service. One of his most memorable projects was Hamden Salvage, a business that included a recycling facility and various subsidiaries, including Hamden Demolition and Hamden Sand & Stone.
Joe was a passionate reader, a history aficionado, and an avid boater. Joe was a founding member of the ROMEO Club - Retired Old Men Eating Out.
Joe's legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched through his commitment to family, business, and community. He was known for his generosity, his ability to inspire others, and his unwavering dedication to whatever endeavor he pursued. Above all, Joe was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a proud grandfather who treasured every moment with his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Branford Community Foundation @ branfordcommunityfoundation.org in honor of the Farricielli Trust.
Family and friends may call at the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. 11 Wooster Place, New Haven on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 4:00-7:00pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Therese Church, St. John Bosco Parish, 105 Leetes Island Road, Branford, CT on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:00am. Burial will be private.
Joe will be greatly missed, but his memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace