Joseph DiFazio Obituary

Joseph Richard DiFazio, "JOE D", 80 of Bristol, CT, beloved husband of 57 years to Amy, passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, in Sarasota, Florida. Joe was born in Beverly, MA on April 25, 1943, the son of the late Joseph and Filomena (Carnevale) DiFazio. Joe grew up in Beverly Farms, MA and attended St. Margaret's School, graduating from St. John's Prep School in Danvers, MA. He was employed in his early years at Pine Tree Stables and Drinkwater's Filling Station in Beverly Farms, both of which encouraged his later love of horses and auto repair. In 1964 Joe moved to Connecticut, marrying the love of his life, Amy (Britton). Connecticut was also where Joe would start his family and open his own business, Jo-Di's Sound Center, a true family business for over 53 years and is a staple in the state for car stereos and electronics. Together with Joe's leadership, loyal employees and two daughters, Jo-Di's has forged ahead through tough times including covid while many competitors closed. Joe's hard work, humble and honest ways earned him many successes, most importantly, the reputation of a man of his word with nothing more than a handshake. Joe was the definition of a family man. He never missed a chance to be at one of his grandchildren's birthdays, sporting or school events. He looked forward every year to hosting an annual family reunion at his home. Joe was at all family events no matter how small, especially if there was a cake to swipe some frosting from. The many family vacations to Alaska, the Mediterranean, Bermuda, Italy and weekends in the summer at Cedar Lake were all very special to him. Joe loved horses, reading books, completing puzzles, french fries, chocolate chip cookies, fixing everything, pontoon boat rides, listening to Rod Stewart with the convertible top down, and the annual summer ride in his '57 Chevy playing "Blueberry Hill" for a burger and fries. For over 35 years Joe and Amy wintered in Sarasota, FL, a place he couldn't wait to get to every year and sit in his glider in the warm sunshine. He enjoyed Goodwill hunting, bowling, playing cards or simply spending time with their many friends. Joe lived a life always being there for others whether it was a helping hand, an ear to listen, or some great advice. He was a member of Avon Unico for over 40 years. Our family would like to give a special thanks to all the dedicated employees of Jo-Di's and A-Z Auto Sound, past and present, for their years of service and commitment. Joe always considered you his second family, as do we. We will all miss his amazing smile, giant bearhugs and larger than life presence. Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years Amy; sister, Rosalie Anastasi of Beverly, MA; brother, Vincent "Jim" DiFazio and his wife Joan of Salisbury, MA and Venice, FL; sister-in-law, Maria DiFazio of Beverly, MA; daughters, Jodi O'Connor of Avon, CT; Kim Macdonald and her husband Brett Macdonald of Bristol, CT; Dayle Kane and her husband, Bill Kane of Unionville, CT and Kyle Lincoln of Avon, CT; five grandchildren, Kari Tardiff and husband Jeff Tardiff, Jill Lincoln and husband Dominic Russo, Colby Macdonald and fiancé, Angela Thibault, Ashley Macdonald and Katie O'Connor; four great grandchildren, Jada Elliott, Ryan Tardiff, Charlie Russo and Henry Russo as well as several loved nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his brother, Gerardo DiFazio; son-in-law, Edward "Win" Lincoln and brother-in-law Don Anastasi. Joe's family will receive friends on Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 4:00-8:00PM at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon, CT.06001. A funeral service for Joe will be held on Monday, October 30, 2023, 11:00AM at Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center followed by a burial at Simsbury Cemetery, 16 Plank Hill Road, Simsbury, CT. 06070. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Main Street Community Foundation: Memorial Tribute, P.O. Box 2702, Bristol, CT 06011-2702, ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306. For directions or condolences please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com