Joseph J. Szawerda, 84, beloved husband of the late Genevieve (Grace) (Kapuscinski) Szawerda died on October 8, 2015 at Miller Memorial. Born on March 5, 1931, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Wietrak) Szawerda. Joe was a lifelong resident of Meriden. He was a graduate of Horace C. Wilcox Tech class of 1950. Joe proudly served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He received a certificate of proficiency from the US Army Europe Troop Information and Education School and served as qualifying command conference leader upon completion. Joe was employed as a supervisor for Pinkerton Security from where he retired after many years of service. He was a member of the Power Squadron. Joe enjoyed fishing and following the UCONN Huskies. He especially loved spending time with his dog Duke. Mr. Szawerda is survived by his brother Henry Szawerda; his sister Eleanor (Nora) Ritz and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his stepchildren: Ronald Urbanski, Stephen Urbanski, Loretta Gagne and Charlotte Czerwonka. His funeral will be held on Saturday October 24th at 9:30 a.m. from the Stempien Funeral Home, 450 Broad St., Meriden, when the funeral cortege will proceed to St. Stanislaus Church for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Saturday morning October 24th from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at the Stempien Funeral Home. To send an online expression of sympathy please visit www.stempienfuneralhome.com.