Joseph Szela, Sr.

WOODSTOCK, CT - Joseph J. Szela, Sr., 62, of Prospect St., passed away on February 26, 2013, at Matulaitis Nursing Home in Putnam. He is survived by three children, Joseph Szela Jr. and his wife Michele of Oxford, Mark Szela and his wife Kelly of Charlton, and Cheri Goulet and her husband Vincent of Southbridge; a brother, Stanley Szela and his wife Lila of Woodstock; a niece, Ashley Szela of Woodstock; five grandsons and one granddaughter. He was born in Putnam, the son of the late Stanley and Annette (Gagne) Szela. He served in the Connecticut National Guard during the Vietnam era. Mr. Szela worked at American Optical in Southbridge for 20 years. He enjoyed farming, building tractors, participating in tractor pulls, and building and repairing cars and trucks. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Matulaitis Nursing Home, 10 Thurber Rd., Putnam, CT 06260. Paradis Funeral Home in Oxford is assisting with arrangements.