Joseph Ianniello was one of the good guys in city politics, a true gentleman who served on a variety of boards and commissions, including as leader of the police and ethics commission. He passed away on Wednesday at age 82.
From Abriola:
Joseph W. Ianniello Jr., age 82, of the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, beloved husband of Margaret Davey Ianniello, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Bridgeport on June 5, 1942, he was a son of the late Joseph Sr. and Josephine Pagliaro Ianniello. Joe earned his Master’s degree from the University of Connecticut and was a retired Director of Engineering for Northrop Gruman. He was also an instructor at Bridgeport Engineering Institute and Fairfield University School of Engineering. Joe was a true Bridgeport resident and loved all the city had to offer. He was dedicated to the betterment of the city and volunteered countless hours to many organizations.
He was a President of the City of Bridgeport Police Commission and additionally, a member of the Civil Service Commission, president of the Ethics Commission, Bridgeport Historical Society, and the Black Rock Garden Club. He was also an active member of the Bridgeport NRZ, Neighborhood Revitalization Zone group, and served as secretary of the eight NRZs throughout the City. But above all things, he was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. The unconditional love he gave and the values he taught will forever live in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his beloved wife of 41 years, Peggy, survivors include his two loving children, Joseph W. Ianniello III and his fiancée Michele Perez and Karen (Ianniello) Pellett and her husband David, seven cherished grandchildren, Teresa Moraga, William Pellett (Erica Schroeder), Joseph W. Ianniello IV, Nicole Ianniello (Mitch Guerin), Autumn Ianniello, Jessica Tones, and Michael Perez, two adored great-grandchildren, Lyla and William, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister, Janet Nagy.
Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, November 4, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. A Prayer Service to be held at 6:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. To leave an online condolence, visit us at www.abriola.com.
Service Above Self!
I served on the Ethics Commission with Joe from 2005-2010. He was always gentlemanly and fair-minded about the Commission’s work and in his relationships with the other members. As chairman, he worked hard to upgrade the modus operandi and effectiveness of the Commission by creating a digital aspect of the Commission (website) and working with the CC to create official ethical standards and sanctioned behavior of all city employees and elected and appointed officials.
Joe was a man of intelligence and empathy who sought to serve and edify his community through “service above self,” to quote Grin Ripper.
My condolences to all who were close to Joe. He will be missed by all who knew him and by all that he served. RIP, Joe.
Joe, we miss your presence already. If work needed doing, you made yourself available with intelligence, positive attitude, wisdom, including an appreciation for fellow humans in making the community “a better place for all”.
We enjoyed the opportunity to bring the Black Rock neighborhood a “Neighborhood Revitalization Zone” initiative as the spirit of support for a Housing Association was waning. The NRZ opened up multiple vistas for growing ‘neighborhood attention and services’ beyond a housing or celebration focus. With your hospitality and Peg’s support as well, the activities continue.
You have struggled for good values for the community at large for years. May you rest in peace, now.