Mr. Joseph Zibell

Proud Waterburian

AVON, CT – It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joseph Zibell Jr. shares the news of his peaceful passing in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love and care of his family on December 28th, 2024, at the age of 74, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Joe was the beloved husband of Bonnie Piccola.

Joseph was born on May 15, 1950, in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late Joseph Sr. and Julia (Bannon) Zibell. Joe proudly grew up on Wall Street in Waterbury, where he made many lifelong friends in the neighborhood. He was an alumnus of Sacred Heart Grammar School and Sacred Heart High School before pursuing a degree in economics at the University of Connecticut where he earned his bachelor’s degree.

Joe dedicated 34 remarkable years of his life to serving as a postal clerk at the Waterbury Main Post Office on Grand St. where his warm smile and kind demeanor brightened the days of countless co-workers and customers. A true Waterbury native, he embodied the spirit of his hometown and carried it with him to his cherished home in Avon, CT. Joe was an enthusiastic frisbee fanatic who found joy in the great outdoors, particularly on the golf course. He was an avid card player who relished every chance to challenge friends to a game, including his friends at the Avon Senior Center and Hartford Bridge Club. His love of music drew him to countless festivals across New England, where he volunteered and immersed himself in the rhythm of life. Joe was extremely proud of his Irish heritage, and he celebrated it unapologetically with every gathering. Joe was a life member of the Winsted Lions Club and a founder of the Joe Zibell Annual Halloween Party, a testament to his generous spirit and love for the community. He was a dedicated sports fan who passionately followed the Yankees, UConn basketball, Notre Dame football, and the NY Jets. Joe loved to volunteer as Santa Claus and spread the joy of the holiday season in schools and events. It was a special honor to be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Joe loved to tell jokes and make people laugh, second only to his love of his family.

As a proud member of the Friends of Bill W., Joe recently celebrated his eight years of sobriety. He often reflected on this journey with gratitude, quick to add that “he won” the battle, inspiring others with his strength and courage to the end. Joe’s warmth and laughter will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to shine through the memories he created with everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, Joe. Your joy, kindness, and zest for life will continue to inspire us all.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory, besides his wife of three years, Bonnie, are his sons, Joseph J. Zibell and his wife Susan of Berlin, and their two children, John Patrick and Katherine, and Andrew Zibell of Brooklyn, as well as his stepchildren, Robert Brownell of Houston, TX and Shannon Brownell and her husband Corbin Woodhull of Portland, CT and their three daughters, Pearl, Delia, Lilly, and step granddaughter Olivia Paradise. He also leaves his former wife, Barbara (Gruber) Donorfio of Plantsville, his sisters, Maryann Bunnell and her husband Greg of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Catherine Edmonds and her husband Dave of Plantsville, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins including, MaryLou Rogers, who Joe considered a sister, and many friends including his lifelong friend and Wall St. neighbor, Tucker Riley.

Joe was predeceased by his brother Charles, “Chuck” Zibell of Waterbury, and stepson Derek Paradise.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Unity Church of Greater Hartford, 919 Ellington Rd, South Windsor, CT 06074. Contributions in Joe’s memory can be made for cancer research through The V Foundation. Donate online https://www.v.org or by USPS The V Foundation, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513. Phone: 919.380.9505. More information can be found at Info@v.org . A Celebration of Life honoring Joe will be held at a day and time to be announced once details are finalized in the near future. There will be no calling hours. Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St. Waterbury, CT 06705, has been honored to care for Joe and the Zibell family during this difficult time. Loving-kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment o offer a message of condolence and share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone who was important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store at www.caseyfunerals.com