Joseph R. Gurzenda, 92 of Meriden, beloved husband of Dorothy Hedges Gurzenda for 69 wonderful years, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30,2025 at The Village of Kensington Place. Born in the Bronx, NY on February 23, 1933, he was the son of the late Frances Domagala Gurzenda and Joseph Gurzenda. Joe had been a resident of Meriden for the past 60 years.

Joseph enlisted in the United States Army serving his country from 1953 -1955. On May 26,1956, Joe married his sweetheart, Dorothy where they spent their early years in New York, then moved his family to Meriden, CT where they raised their four children. Joe was a past Grand Knight and member of the Knights of Columbus Silver City Council No. 2.  He was employed by the phone company as a lineman for 35 years until his retirement in 1991. Joe enjoyed bowling, photography, spending time in and around his yard, his pool, gardening, fixing anything that was broken and taking his family on vacation. During his retirement years, he loved to travel and spend winter months with Dottie at his home in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Besides his wife, Joseph is survived by his children Joseph M. Gurzenda of Cranston, RI, Marcelle Gurzenda Casey and her husband Joe of Wallingford, CT, Michael J. Gurzenda Sr.  and Thomas E. Gurzenda and his wife Karen of Torrington, CT. He also leaves his six grandchildren, Gregory and Michael Casey, Jared, Melissa, Julia and Mickey Gurzenda as well as several nieces, nephews and dear friends. Joseph was predeceased by his sisters, Florence Sosnowski and Marsha Russo as well as his brother-in-law, Michael Sosnowski.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at The Village of Kensington and Constellation Hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am on Friday, June 6, 2025, at St. Stanislaus Church, 82 Akron Street, Meriden.   Interment with military honors will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Meriden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joseph's name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org.