Vecchiarino, Joseph C.Joseph C. Vecchiarino Jr, beloved husband of Eugenia E. "Sunnie" Lewis Vecchiarino died peacefully at Danbury Hospital on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at the age of 93.Joe was born on February 26, 1923 to the late Joseph C. and Anna (DeTuccio) Vecchiarino. Joe attended local schools and the University of Michigan. He went from his pre-med studies into the Army Air Force where he was attached to the Medical Corp. Because of his pre-med training, he was put in charge of the base hospital laboratory, the beginning of his highly successful career.While working in the hospital laboratory he did graduate work, in science, at the Walter Reed Hospital and Fort McPherson Medical Laboratory where he attained the "superior" in the courses he took. This high grade of work followed him his entire career – he had the highest grade in proficiency testing, by the State every year he was Director of his laboratory. Joe proudly served in the Army during WWII for four years.A highly dedicated detail-oriented professional, with an exceptional aptitude for business development in the medical laboratory field, led him to open one of the first private medical laboratories in Connecticut. He designed, directed and equipped his first laboratory in one room – The Main Medical Laboratory – which years later became the Greater Danbury Medical Laboratory in a large building that at times employed up to 50 people. In 1952, Joe invented and patented Hemal Stain, a hematological stain, a diagnostic tool that reduced staining slides time from 5-6 minutes to 17 seconds, that was important in diagnosing many illnesses.On October 2, 1948 Joe and Sunnie, the love of his life, were married. They had two beautiful children, 2 much loved grandchildren and one super adorable great grandson. They had a full and wonderful life for 68 years – it was an exceptional journey – remembered with love and happiness. He was cherished by all. Joe was a multi-faceted person interested and involved in many things. Art: He was a self-taught artist, he painted in oils and acrylics. Music: He was a self-taught musician, he played the clarinet, saxophone and the Hawaiian guitar. In his youth, he sang with the base band while in the Army and later was known to sing at parties.Joe was extremely civic minded and worked in many organizations. He belonged to the Bridgewater Congregational Church, the Ridgewood Country Club where he was a 55+ year member serving on the board for 2 years, he was President of the Hayestown School PTA, was a member of the Danbury Board of Education where he served as President 4 terms, Connecticut Association of Clinical-Medical Laboratories. He was President of the State Medical Advisory Committee, Member and past President of the Danbury Exchange Club, member and past President of the Danbury Republican Men's Club. He belonged to the Danbury Club, Americo Vespucci Society, the Republican "Key" Club and was a Board Member of the Southwestern Conn. Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Association. He was a member of the Danbury Yacht Club, the Danbury Boat & Beach Club where he was president for 4 terms, the Civil Air Patrol, Wooster Mountain Gun Club, and Scans Artists Oil Painting Society. Joe has taught Art in the Adult Education Program and various craft store in the area.Joe's professional memberships included the Connecticut State Department of Health, Advisory Board to the Medical Commissioner of Health, American Association of Bioanalysis, American Society of Clinical Pathologists, Connecticut Association of Clinical Laboratory Directors where he served 5 terms as President.Joe was a true "Renaissance Man". He loved sports, playing golf and touch football. He was a 300 bowler and enjoyed basketball, but his favorite activity was fishing, enjoying both lake and salt water. He was an avid fisherman which prompted him to build two great boats. Joe's skill as a horse shoe champion was unprecedented. He was unbeatable! He shot trap and made his own shells. There wasn't anything he couldn't do or at least try to do.With his many activities, there was still nothing more important than his family. His love and wisdom will be sorely missed. The many happy times the whole family spent at their home in Florida will be a lasting memory of all the fun he provided throughout his life – the summers on Fairfield Beach – the hikes – the boating on the lake – so much joy – so little time!Joe and Sunnie loved to travel. One of their favorite trips was to Egypt. Joe fancied himself an amateur archeologist and he loved to be able to see and talk about all the artifacts he read about. He loved books. Everyone loved Joe's sense of humor. His list of jokes was endless. He was absolutely the life of every party.In addition to his wife Sunnie of 68 years, Joe is survived by his two wonderful children, daughter: Wendy L. Vecchiarino – Pandolfi and her husband Sal; his son: Joseph C. Vecchiarino, III P. HD; his adored grandchildren: Samantha T. Pandolfi-Bedard and her husband Robert, Parker Troy Pandolfi and his most precious Great Grandson: Landen Bryce Bedard. He also leaves four nephews: Nick Macelletti, Jr., Michael Macelletti and his wife Joan, Tom Vecchiarino and his wife Debbie and Barry Connell. Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his four siblings: Mildred Esposito, Julia Macelletti, Eleanor Connell and Charles Vecchiarino.The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the Western Connecticut Homecare Team, for the untiring care and affection they showed Joe through the many years of his illness, and the Doctors, nurses and CNAs of 10 West at the Danbury Hospital for their kindness and affection they gave Joe during his last days.In honor of Mr. Vecchiarino's wishes there will be no calling hours.Joe's philosophy of life was "If you have respect for your fellow man, everything else will fall into place".To quote his daughter, Wendy – "He (dad) had a great life, a true rags to riches story – he did everything he always wanted to do and had wonderful fun along the way. His physical being is gone but his kindness to others will always be remembered. And his jokes! I'm sure he is sharing them right now."A Memorial Service will be held at the convenience of the family. To light a candle or leave an online condolence, visit Hullfuneralservice.com