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Joseph Norman Gerard Charbonneau, 99, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Jefferson House in Newington, Connecticut.
Joe was born in Swanton, Vermont, on May 20, 1927, to Andrew and Laura (Gratton) Charbonneau of French-Canadian heritage. He was mostly raised in Swanton but did spend some time on the family farm in Middlebury, Vermont, and graduated from Saint Ann's Academy in Swanton before moving to Bristol, Connecticut.
As a young man, Joe began his working career with General Motors Corporation's New Departure Division in Bristol. His career at New Departure spanned five decades, reflecting his strong work ethic, dedication and leadership.
During World War II, Joe enlisted in the United States Navy. Following basic training at Sampson NY U.S. Naval Training Station, he continued his education at Radio and Radar schools at the Boston Navy Yard, Charleston, MA, and the Naval Training Center San Diego at Point Loma. He went on to serve as a radar man during both World War II and the Korean War. Joe served aboard the USS Mattaponi, a fleet oiler that operated around the world, particularly in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, and later aboard the USS Siboney aircraft carrier. During his naval career, which concluded in 1952, Joe circumnavigated the globe three times. He received several medals and awards for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal, Campaign and Service Medals, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.
Joe was predeceased by the love of his life, Lena (Guerriere), whom he married in 1950. They shared 58 years of marriage. Together, they settled in Hartford, where they raised their three children, Norman, Donna, and Jim.
Joe was a man who believed in working smart, providing for his family, and enjoying life along the way. He used his wartime savings to purchase a home, additional real estate, and eventually a fish market that he owned and operated. He also had a fondness for late model cars and took great pride in them.
A longtime parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Joe was also a volunteer coach for Rago Little League where he navigated his team to back-to-back championships. He enjoyed dancing, listening to local big bands, dining out, and following his favorite sports teams-the New York Yankees, Knicks, Giants and Hartford Whalers. He was an enthusiastic supporter of both the UConn men's and women's basketball programs.
Above all, Joe treasured his family. He rarely missed his children's and grandchildren's sporting events and extracurricular activities and was known to be particularly tough on officials and judges when his children and grandchildren were involved. He loved traveling with his family and spending time at his home on Lake Champlain in Vermont.
After 37 years in Hartford, with his children grown and married, Joe and Lena moved to Farmington, where they became members of St. Patrick Church. Following his retirement in 1987, Joe remained active in the community, volunteering and serving on numerous committees at the Unionville and Avon Senior Centers. One of the volunteer activities he enjoyed the most was delivering meals to those in need in the community.
In 2013, Joe was especially proud to be selected to participate in the American Warrior Program's Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit the WWII memorials, joining approximately 100 World War II and Korean War veterans in honoring their service and sacrifice. He was accompanied by his son, Jim, who served as one of the Guardians for the group, making the experience an especially meaningful and memorable journey for both of them.
In the latter years of his life, Joe resided at Middlewoods of Farmington, where he made many friends among both the residents and staff. True to his nature, he participated in virtually every activity and committee available. He became something of a community celebrity-equal parts Fred Astaire and Minnesota Fats-and continued to bring his energy, humor, and personality to those around him.
Joe was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lena (Guerriere) Charbonneau, his daughter, Donna Ouellette and his sister Rita Baccaro.
He leaves behind his two sons and their wives, Norman and Claudia (Larese) Charbonneau of East Berlin and Jim and Jeanne (Brunelle) Charbonneau of Berlin; four grandchildren, Nicole Charbonneau (David Rodriguez) of Bristol, Tina (Armando) Ortiz of New Britain, Emily (Todd) Nigro of Medford, MA, and Andrew Charbonneau (Sara Barlok) of East Windsor; two great- grandchildren, Aiden and Amaya Ortiz; and brother-in-law Victor Baccaro of Southington. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Joe lived a remarkable 99 years-filled with service, hard work, family, travel, friendship, and plenty of dancing, sports, and spirited opinions. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Joe's second family, the residents and staff at Middlewoods of Farmington, the staff at Jefferson House, and Joe's special visitors, Rolande Brunelle and Tanya Genesco.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Friday, October 9, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bailey Funeral Home, 48 Broad Street, Plainville. On Saturday, Joe's funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at the Church of St. Patrick, 110 Main St, Farmington. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Plainville.
To leave an online message of condolence for the family, please visit www.Bailey-FuneralHome.com.
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Joseph Norman Girard Charbonneau
May 20, 1927 – October 6, 2026
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