Joseph Patrick Planells

The gentle soul of Joseph (“Joe”) Patrick Planells of Southbury, CT (90) entered into the gates of Heaven.  He was born and raised in his beloved Bronx, New York and the son of immigrant parents, Kathleen Bradley Planells of Ireland and Oscar Planells of Cuba. He was the sole remaining sibling of six children in the Planells family. He was named for his uncle who died at the Battle of Somme in WWI.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Caroline, and his two daughters, Holly McKenna (Chris) and Jennifer Naylor (Ed) and seven grandchildren Yousef (Heba), Clare (Vince), Peter, Cailin, Joseph, Aidan and Luke and three great grandchildren (Zaina, Lara and Bassam).  Joe was further blessed by the affections of his many nieces, nephews and their partners and children as well all the family friends near and far.

He and Caroline enjoyed the rural life of Southbury for over twenty years; he loved the greenery and open spaces and countryside road trips.  He enjoyed living in the moment.

He loved spending time with his large extended family especially during holidays and regular get togethers in Connecticut, New York, and during summer vacations in Georgia and Tennessee.  He will be fondly remembered for his calming disposition, good looks, loving smile and “go-to” phrases of “see you sooner rather than later,” “hi-ho,” and “touché.”  He was a good listener who spoke of the importance of all things in moderation.  

Joe travelled the Long Island Rail Road for decades working at several New York City businesses before proudly serving in the Army National Guard during the Korean War.  He was a Train Dispatcher in the railway systems in South Korea and loved all modes of transportation.  After the war, he graduated from the Latin American Institute having studied transportation and the import/export business. He worked for several airlines and manufacturing companies before his final career move to Pfizer, Inc. He retired in 1993 from directing the shipment of pharmaceuticals from the world headquarters in New York City.

Joseph loved plants, animals, birds and the smallest of living creatures.  While living on Long Island he served as the President of the Bayard Cutting Arboretum Horticultural Society; he loved to dance with his bride, work in the yard, tinker with his numerous automobiles, reading newspapers and magazines, listen to music, and he was a self-taught musician.  Joseph adored his family, America, and God.  His prayers of gratitude were comprehensive and inclusive and will be shared with generations to come.  He regularly shared stories of his beloved Bronx, including his youthful employment of delivering telegrams to Yankee Stadium.

Thank you to the staff at VITAS and Pomperaug Woods for their constant compassion and care of our dad.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 15th at 8pm. Calling hours will be 6 p.m. until the time of the service at the Munson-Lovetere Funeral Home 235 Main St. North in Southbury, CT. with a burial and graveside service with full military honors at The State Veterans Cemetery 317 Bow Lane, Middletown and repast to follow.  

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Alzheimer’s Association, Boys Town and St. Jude’s Hospital. 

To leave an online condolence please visit www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

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