Joseph Anthony "Joe" Bryk, 57, of Stratford, died peacefully July 15, at his home with his loving family by his side, after a courageous 20-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma. Born in Bridgeport Hospital January 18, 1961, he was the son of Matthew and Emilia (Socha) Bryk.

Mr Bryk was raised in Newtown. He attended St Rose of Lima School and graduated from Newtown High School before beginning his lifelong, 30-plus year career as a plumber/pipe-fitter with what is now Local #777, from which he retired in June 2017. During his career, he worked all over the state at various construction sites, and his medical gas license allowed him to do renovation work at Yale New Haven Hospital and Stamford Hospital in recent years. Mr Bryk enjoyed the camaraderie of his colleagues and the sense of accomplishment when a job was completed.

His childhood in Newtown and being raised in his parents' tavern, Matty's Place, established Mr Bryk's tenets of life, which included an appreciation for good food, having the ability to cook, the need to be social, and that it is always important to have a good time. He prided himself on being a good friend - always there when someone needed a hand or a pal to have a beer with.

Mr Bryk was involved in many activities, but his pride was in his pig roasting extravaganzas that not only featured the pig itself, but chickens and roast beef, too. He was very involved in the Sons of the American Legion (SAL), Post 177, originally out of Bridgeport, having served as adjutant for many years. His SAL festivities on Whiskey Hill, including the annual Easter Flower sales or Night at the Races, were always big jobs, but had greater rewards for him.

He was an avid Giants and Yankees fan, with whole days dedicated to Sunday football, and he loved the Triple Crown season. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, playing his guitar and horseshoes, and gardening, but nothing compared to spending time with his sons, teaching them the ins-and-outs of life.

His wife of 17 years, Salvatora Minaudo Bryk; two sons, whom he adored, August and Garrett Bryk; siblings, Matthew Bryk and wife, Maureen, of Newtown, Mitchell Bryk of Southbury, and Thaddeus Bryk and wife, Vicki, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Minaudo; sister-in-law, Nicole Minaudo of Stratford; brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Minaudo and wife, Tina, of Virginia; two nieces; two nephews; a litany of first cousins; and an endless number of friends and acquaintances survive him.

The family will receive friends Thursday, July 19, from 4 to 8 pm, at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 20, at 11 am, meeting directly in Our Lady of Grace Church, 497 Second Hill Lane, Stratford. Entombment will follow in St Michael's Cemetery, Stratford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made toward Mr Bryk's sons' future education and can be send to Bryk Brothers Education Fund, Mutual Security Credit Union, Ryder's Landing, 6580 Main Street, Stratford CT 06614.

To leave an online condolence, visit abriola.com.