Joel Zera

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories that we announce the unexpected passing of Joel C. Zera on June 20, 2025. Born on June 2, 1983, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Joel grew up in Bridgeport before making his home in Oxford, CT. He was a brother, an uncle, and a friend who lived life in his own, often unconventional, way.
Joel is survived by his two sisters, Melissa Yager (Derrick) of Brookfield, CT, and Elizabeth Smith (Ted) of Warwick, RI, and his five beloved nephews and niece: Carson, Ryan, Holden, Brandon, and Charlotte. He was predeceased by his parents, John C. Zera and Nancy E. Eads.
Joel lived a life that was far from perfect, and he wouldn't have had it any other way. He made mistakes, struggled at times, and walked a hard road, but he never shied away from it. Through his highs and lows, he never stopped being himself. He had a sharp wit, a quick sense of humor that always caught you off guard, and a heart that loved deeply, even if he didn't always show it in the way people expected.
Joel was passionate about many things - from his love of golf, the NY Yankees, classic rock, fruit roll-ups, and of course, his loyal companion, Newport cigarettes (which he may or may not have claimed were better than any therapy). His interests may have been simple, but they brought him joy - and that's all that mattered.
Despite the challenges, Joel's life was filled with lessons - many of which were learned the hard way. He showed us all that life is messy, but it's ours to live and learn from, no matter how many times we trip.
He will be missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the stories we tell, the laughs we share, and the lessons we carry forward.
The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit https://www.carpinofuneralhome.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joel, please visit our floral store.