Joseph Anthony Schiavone, 74, of Sandy Hook died peacefully April 28, surround by his wife Bernadette (Cowhey) Schiavone and family. Born in Norwalk, he was the son of the late Angelina Schiavone and Julius Schiavone.

He was a thoughtful son and good student. He graduated from La Salle University in Pennsylvania where he met, fell in love, and soon after married, Bernadette. Together their lives were devoted to each other for more than 50 years. They made their lives in Newtown and had built a home and had a family.

His career expanded to working as a CFO for Homequity Inc, owner of Video Forum, and CFO of Goodwill Inc.

Mr Schiavone was a devout Catholic and spent his time volunteering at various parish committees at St Rose of Newtown. He was the consummate gentleman, known best for quiet spoken optimism and charm. He was a lifelong, voracious reader and traveler. His favorite pastime was planning and taking cruises all over the world with his loving wife. Above all, he was a devoted and loyal husband and a caring and loving father and grandfather.

His children and their spouses,

Shannon and Paul Lavertue of Woodbury, Joseph Anthony Jr and Kimberley Schiavone of Madison, and Erinn and Robert Henry of Alberta, Canada; six grandchildren, Daniel, Eva, Lauren, Madeline, Brooks, and Sophia; and brother Julius Schiavone, Jr, and his wife Marie of Norwalk survive him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 3, at Saint Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Avenue, Norwalk. Entombment will follow at St John Cemetery 223, Richards Avenue, Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810 or Newtown volunteer Ambulance Corps, 6 Washington Square, Newtown CT 06840.