Joseph John Zemaitis, Jr, passed away with family at his side Friday, September 16, 2022, in St Louis, Mo. His wife of 66 years, Peggy Zemaitis, predeceased him in March 2022. He is survived by children Elizabeth Knapp and Gregory (Jennifer) Zemaitis, grandchildren Nicolas and Joelle Zemaitis, extended family, and friends.

Born and raised in Waterbury, Conn., Joe was the son of first generation Americans Joseph John and Anna (nee Cizauskas) Zemaitis, who emigrated from Lithuania. Joe was a veteran of World War II having enlisted in the United States Navy at 17 years old.

After serving in the armed forces, Joe attended the University of Bridgeport where he met and married Peggy Daly. Joe graduated with a degree in engineering and held positions with Exide Battery, Hubbell Plastics, Electrolux, Remington, and eventually retiring from Risdon Corp.

Joe was a member of Kiwanis International and a long-time fan and supporter of UConn basketball. He was an avid reader of history and enjoyed the peace and quiet of nature.

We remember him steady, strong, kind, patient, and completely devoted to family and home. We will miss this dry-humored, no-nonsense man of solid character.

A resident of Newtown, Conn., for over 50 years, his last years were spent in Coral Gables, Fla., and in St Louis, Mo.

Services: A celebration of life for Joe and Peggy will take place in Connecticut in early November.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association at heart.org.

As a service of the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, Ballwin, Mo., please sign the family’s online guestbook at schrader.com.