Joseph James Negri (94 years old) of South Windsor, CT passed away peacefully on August 25, 2022. Joe was born on July 4, 1928 to Aurelia (Callegari) and Joseph L. Negri of New Britain, CT. Joe attended the University of Connecticut graduating in the Class of 1951. Shortly after graduation he was inducted into the US Army for a two-year term. Joe was stationed in France and was able to visit several countries in Europe. After being discharged he pursued his passion for aviation and was employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as a Design Engineer. Joe’s career at P&W spanned a period of 35 years. His primary assignment was with The Advanced Engine Group whose mission was to identify technology necessary for the development of advanced engines. Joe’s interest in aviation continued and he earned a Private Pilot’s License and qualifications on several types of aircraft.
Joe met his wife Mary (Prior) of Manchester, CT in June 1960 and they were married a year later. They settled in Glastonbury and lived there for 44 years before moving to South Windsor. While in Glastonbury Joe was an active member of Saint Paul Church and served as a Cantor and Eucharistic Minister. Throughout his life Joe was very active. He was an avid skier and spent winter weekends traveling to various ski areas in New England. The warm days of summer would find him playing golf, sailing his boat or at the beach. Joe continued to play golf well into his senior years. Joe was devoted to his family and took great pleasure in sharing various activities with them. He took particular joy in his grandchildren. A long-time basketball fan he enjoyed watching UCONN basketball teams, particularly the Women’s Team. Joe’s beloved wife Mary pre-deceased him after 47 years of marriage. Joe is survived by his children Elizabeth Negri of Boston, MA, Chris Negri of Wallingford, CT and Laura Morris and her husband Larry of Dover, NH. He also leaves five grandchildren: Chelsey Ferstler, Kevin Ferstler, Michael Negri, Lauren Negri and Max Morris as well as two great grandchildren. Simply stated: Joe’s legacy was that he served God, Country and Family.
Friends may call on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 from 9:00 to 10:00 am at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 50 Naubuc Avenue, Glastonbury. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Joe’s life will follow at 11:00 am in Saint Paul Church of SS Isidore & Maria Parish, 2577 Main Street, Glastonbury. Mass will be officiated by family friend Rev. Jeffrey V. Romans. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Road, Glastonbury. To extend condolences, please visit Farleysullivan.com.
The family asks that donations be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org/donate) in lieu of flowers.