Joseph "Joe" Stellato

Joseph "Joe" Stellato passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on October 14, 2025 after a courageous and extended struggle with heart disease. Joe took every challenge head on, and the same can be said in his final days; he persisted until the very end. Joe was brought into this world on February 28th 1948 in New Haven, Connecticut by his father Frank and mother Anna (Williams). He often joked that he just missed a leap year which would have given him an age to match his young spirit. He now meets his brother Anthony (Barbara) Stellato who predeceased him far too early. He is survived by his sons Frank (Betsy), who he referred to as the daughter he never had of Wallingford and Stephen of New Haven and their mother Carmela Sanseverino Shattuck, as well as his identical twin granddaughters Lauren and Joelle Stellato. He often referred to them as one cute and too cute. He also leaves behind his fiancé Christine Carr and her extended family affectionately known as all the Greeks. He also leaves behind his 3 nephews and their families, which he all adored. As well as many cousins and countless endearing friends. Following his brother, he attended St Michael's Grammar School, Notre Dame High School and Quinnipiac College. Upon graduation, Joe began a successful career as a commercial banker with First Bank in New Haven. He advanced rapidly through the ranks, as they say, until he was charged with establishing a First Bank presence in New London County. He later helped to establish a small community bank in the same area where he served as president and CEO. A proud Rotarian, Joe proved himself as a civic leader by advancing countless initiatives and was a recipient of many awards and accolades. He founded The Connecticut Cancer Foundation, (formerly The Connecticut Sports Foundation) with his good friend and ex major league baseball player John Ellis of New London. He proudly served on the board of directors of the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority under three gubernatorial administrations. What Joe loved more than anything was his family and took every opportunity possible to express his unwavering devotion to them, especially through stories of remembrance. As a proud Italian American, he loved homecooked meals, Pepes Pizza and traditional Sunday dinners. The soundtrack of Joe's life was Elvis Presley. Joe loved baseball and was a highly competitive softball player in his youth. He had a great passion for golf, playing numerous rounds with some of his dear friends at New London Country Club, where he was a three-time senior club champion. As a seasonal resident of South Florida, Joe enjoyed the beach and soaking in the rays. Joe had an infectious personality, an incredible wit and humor, and was adored by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. Visiting hours will be Friday from 4-8pm in the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. 11 Wooster Place. Friends are asked to meet at St. Michael Church – Blessed Michael McGivney Parish Saturday at 10:00am for a Mass of Christian burial. The burial will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Anthony Stellato Endowed Scholarship c/o Quinnipiac University Office of Development. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Joseph, please visit our Tree Store.