Joseph S. Pesce, 76, died peacefully on February 13, 2023 at the Autumn Lake Healthcare at Bucks Hill in Waterbury.  He was the loving husband of Darlene (Benson) Pesce.

Joe was born in Waterbury on May 23, 1946, a son of the late Joseph and Ann (Dombroski) Pesce-Regonini. Joe grew up in Waterbury and his passion was rebuilding antique cars. He was a member of the Nutmeg Chapter Pontiac-Oakland Club International, Inc. and enjoyed showing his cars at the local car shows earning awards and trophies, he became known as “GTO JOE”. Joe was a retired painter from the AFLCIO IUPAT-The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades DC11.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, of 56 years, his two sons, Joseph R. Pesce of Naugatuck, and Paul M. Pesce of Winfield, Ks., his four loving grandchildren, Ryan Pesce, Courtney Pesce, Jacob Pesce and April Pesce, also his great granddaughter, Aria Pesce, his sister, Joann Pesce-Ameden of Waterbury, two nephew’s, James Jarvis and Thomas Knox, and a niece, Lisa Knox.  He was predeceased by his brother, Gary Pesce and his sister, Marilyn Pesce.

Arrangements:  A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 17, 2023 at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury.  Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery, Naugatuck.  Calling hours will be held Thursday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.