Joseph James Sileo, Jr

Decorated WWII Veteran

Joseph James Sileo, Jr, 85, beloved husband of 62 years of Julia Deneve Sileo, died May 5 at his home in Monroe. Born and raised in Fairfield, he was the son of Joseph James Sileo, Sr, and Isabelle L. Sileo.

Mr Sileo is survived by his four children, Lorrie Jones and her husband, Ronald, of Newtown, Donna Hill and her husband, Jay, of Cape Cod, Joseph James Sileo III of Monroe, and Matthew Sileo and his wife, Lisa, of Shelton. He was the devoted grandfather of his cherished grandchildren, Kristi Hill of Cape Cod, Jennifer and Christopher Orne of Cape Cod, and Gary Joseph Treadwell and Catherine Mark of Newtown, Amy Treadwell and Phillip Musella of Monroe, Brianna Sileo of N.C., Jaime Sileo of Pennsylvania, and Courtney and Ryan Sileo of Shelton. His brothers, James V. Sileo of Derby and Theodore A. Sileo of Fairfield also survive Mr Sileo, as do many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his only sister, Irene L. Triani, and his brothers Eugene (Woody) Sileo and Gerald Sileo.

Mr Sileo was a World War II veteran serving in the Army Air Corps, successfully completing 33 missions as a waist gunner in the 8th Air Force on a B-17. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, along with many other medals. Three years ago he reunited with a member of his crew, James Tuner, after 58 years. Since then they have shared many special memories, and he was so grateful for his friendship.

Mr Sileo was a skilled bricklayer and stone mason and a member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers Union since 1946. In his retirement, among his many interests were gardening, arts and crafts, and bird watching, golf, and spending time with his family.

His family wishes to thank the entire dedicated, loving, and caring staff of Black Rock Medical Group and most recently, VNA Hospice of Shelton.

A Christian Burial Mass took place on May 7 in St Jude Church, Monroe, with interment immediately following in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull.

Donations may be made in his name to Caroline’s Gift c/o Newtown Youth & Family Services, 17 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470; or Connecticut VNA’s Hospice, 680 Bridgeport Avenue, Shelton CT 06484.

The Newtown Bee        May 9, 2008