Joseph Kern Birkle

2/4/1931 - 2/10/2025

Groton - Joseph Kern Birkle, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully Feb. 10, 2025, after a brief illness.

He and his beloved wife of 67 years, Nancy, both from Brownsville, Pa., first met while he was on home leave from the United States Navy Submarine Service. After being stationed at bases in California, and along the East Coast, they settled in Groton, where they raised their family.

Joseph Birkle proudly served his country in the submarine community. He served a full career in the USN Submarine Service as a torpedoman first class, having also attended the Navy's missile school. After retiring from the Navy, he worked as a senior ship's supervisor at General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division. Following retirement from EB, he helped to restore the Brilliant, an historic schooner docked at The Mystic Seaport Museum, a job he pursued with great enjoyment.

He was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and an avid reader of history and lover of nature, who prioritized his family, God and country. He was a member of the Submarine Veterans organization, and the Holland Club.

Joseph was born Feb. 4, 1931, son of Joseph W. Birkle and Irene Helmick. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his step-mother, Faye Birkle. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Deven Birkle; and four cherished daughters, Christina Guarino (Raymond) of East Haddam, Devon Robarge (William) of Groton, Greta Jones (Jonathan) of Mystic, and Gretchen Birkle (Antonio) of Washington, D.C. He was an adoring grandfather to six grandchildren: Kevin (Kristen) and Eric (Tressan) Weisensee; Benjamin (Angelina) and Michael (Susanna) Guarino; Jonathan (Caitlin) and Elizabeth (Anis) Jones; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Antoinette; four loving sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at Sacred Heart Church, Groton. Immediately following the service, an Interment with military honors will take place at Colonel Ledyard Cemetery. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook or share a memory with the family. Donations in his memory may be directed to the Subvets, 40 School St, Groton, CT 06340.