Joseph (Giuseppe) Zaino, 88, of Hamden, died peacefully at home on August 4, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sarah, his daughter, Deborann (Michael) Evinger, his son, Joseph, granddaughters Jamie (Steven) Johnston and Jacqulyn Wharton, and 5 great-grandchildren. Joe was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and beloved Uncle Joe to many generations of nieces and nephews. He had the ability to strike up conversations with people anywhere and everywhere and connect with them no matter who they were. He fostered his friendships, some of which lasted over 75 years. He was a master storyteller and loved nothing better than talking about growing up in ‘the villlage’ (Westville). 

Joe was born on October 15, 1936, in New Haven, CT to Catello and Olympia (Gabella) Zaino. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Maria Sophia (Sophie) Iagrossi, and his brothers, Ciro (Gene), Angelo (Sal), Frank, Dino, and Robert Zaino. 

Joe had careers with both the Connecticut State Highway Department and O.F. Mossberg & Sons. He was a competitive trapshooter with over 20,000 lifetime targets and was a member of the Seymour Fish and Game Club. He was a loyal fan of the NY Yankees and UConn women’s basketball. He had a green thumb and loved tending to his orchids.