Joseph F. Kubeck Sr.

WALLINGFORD - Joseph Francis Kubeck Sr., 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of the late Eleanor C. Kubeck. Together they shared 61 years of marriage. He was the son of the late Thomas and Frances Kubeck.

He was born on March 18, 1923, and was a life-long Wallingford resident.

He was a World War II veteran, serving as a Master Sergeant in the 69th Armored Infantry Battalion. After returning home from the war he worked as a letter carrier at the Wallingford Post Office, and retired from there after 39 years of service. He kept active after his retirement working at Stimpson's Pharmacy, held the position of First Selectman in Wallingford, and ended his working years at the Town of Wallingford Engineering Department.

He lived a long, full life, and could always be found telling one of his many stories. He told of the night he danced with Ingrid Bergman during World War II, the first time he saw his wife, and the day his children were born. He told of his time in the war, and of the white sand beaches in Aruba where he vacationed with his wife and best friends. He was an incredible athlete, and was named All-State for basketball at Lyman Hall High School. He was an avid golfer and past Senior Club Champion at the Wallingford Country Club. He had a passion for baseball and loved the Boston Red Sox. He held a healthy, animated rivalry with his late wife, who cheered for the New York Yankees. He shared his love of sports with his sons, spending hours playing ball with them and being at every game they played. He also ran the Wallingford Twilight League for many years. He was as much artistic as he was athletic and as caring as he was strong. He viewed the world with light wonderment, and could be found pointing out the shapes in the clouds or sharing a smile with the ones he loved. His beautiful blue eyes will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his son, Joseph F. Kubeck Jr.; his daughter and son-in law, Mary and Greg Peterson; and his daughters-in-law Sharon Kubeck and Nicole Landry; his grandchildren, Alison (Karl) Bryant, Jay (Jill) Kubeck, Brian (Jeff) Kubeck-Wisner, Jennifer (Todd) Kubeck-Marshall, Kathryn Kubeck, James Kubeck, Mark Borowitz, Kathryn Peterson, Elizabeth Peterson, and Andrew Peterson; and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Eleanor A. Kubeck; his brother and sister-in-law, Edmund (Henrietta) Kubeck; and his brother, Vincent Kubeck; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, James M. Kubeck; his sisters, Victoria and Kaye; and his brothers, John, Stanley, Thomas, and Francis.

His family would like to thank Franciscan Home Care and Hospice for the care they provided him in his final years and days. They would also like to thank his two angels on earth, Carol and Irma, who gave him excellent care and whom he adored. They also thank Renee, whom he affectionately called Frenchie, for loving and caring for him like he was her own grandfather.

Joe was not only a member of the greatest generation; he exemplified what being the greatest was. He loved his family most of all and will be greatly missed by all who loved him.

His family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, June 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 N. Main St. Ext., Wallingford. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 21 at 10 a.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 65 N. Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492. Interment will be in the In Memoriam Cemetery in Wallingford. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the St. Paul's All Saints Memorial Fund, 65 N. Main St., Wallingford, CT 06492.

www.wallingfordfh.com