Under the somber gray skies of Connecticut, the Riverview Funeral Home in Shelton stands as a comforting sanctuary for grieving friends and family. Located at 390 River Road, it has lingered as a constant in the community, hosting funeral services for those who have walked the journey of life and reached its natural cessation. Today, we gather here to pay tribute to a life that was truly well-lived.
The Man Behind the Badge: Joseph Foti
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Joseph Foti, a beloved father, brother, and former Police Officer from New Haven. The news was revealed in an obituary published on Legacy.com by Riverview Funeral Home - Shelton on December 7, 2023.
Born on March 26, 1969, in New Haven, Joseph started his life as the cherished son of the late Richard and Norma (Peloquin) Foti. He was the kind of man who, once you met him, stayed in your heart forever. His robust laughter and ready smiles were infectious, you might even say they were a reflection of a strong badge he used to wear on his chest.
"You know, we always joked about his laughter echoing through the hallways of the precinct. But honestly, that sound was the tune that kept our spirits up during long shifts," says Richard Foti, Joseph's brother.
Suddenly the world became a little quieter on Monday, December 4, 2023, when Joseph breathed his last breath at Griffin Hospital. He was 54. It's a harsh reminder of how fleeting and precious life is. Yet, even in his death, Joseph has bestowed upon us a gift: the memory of his vibrant life, wrapped in the echo of his infectious laughter and bound by the legacy he leaves behind.
A Family Remains
Left to carry on Joseph's name are his children Samuel and Ethan Foti, his siblings Richard Foti (Sheri), Kathy Piccirillo (Paul), and Eva Blakeslee, and former spouse and mother of his children Leslie Foti.
Remembering him fondly, Kathy Piccirillo, Joseph's sister, comments, "My brother wasn't just a former cop. He was a remarkable human being, a dedicated father, and doting uncle. His absence leaves a void that can't be filled."
Together, they share the intricate tapestry of shared memories, woven through years of love, laughter, and brotherly bonds. Through them, Joseph continues to live on – in their hearts, their actions, and their memories.
More Than an Obituary
Aside from his immediate family, he also left behind his nieces and nephews Paul Piccirillo, Monica Durante (Luca), James Blakeslee, Madison Blakeslee and Audra Foti. For them, Uncle Joseph wasn’t just a family member; he was the hero who rode in with sunsets, the gentle giant who lifted them onto his shoulders at family gatherings, and the trusted guardian who stood up against the worries of childhood.
Gathering Beyond Goodbyes
On Monday, December 11, in a solemn assembly of love and grief, Joseph's family invites friends to commemorate his life. The Funeral Memorial Mass will be held at 10 am at St. Aedan Church, 112 Fountain St. New Haven.
The church bells will sound their mournful toll, a final salute to a life lived with purpose and love. And as the echoes gradually fade, we will be left not with an emptiness but a sense of gratitude. For we had the fortune of knowing a man who not only served his community honorably but also lived his life as an example for us all.
"In sorrow, we mourn those lost. In gratitude, we embrace those around us. In sympathy, we reach out to those who grieve."
As we gather in prayer to honor Joseph Foti's life, let us also remember to celebrate the man he was – a beacon of hope in a world that could sometimes be too harsh, a source of joy and inspiration for all those who were lucky enough to cross his path.
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