Joseph Francis Criniti

Joseph Francis Criniti, 94, of Kensington, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden.  He was the husband of the late Josephine (Messina) Criniti.

Born in New Britain, he was the son of the late Salvatore Criniti and Catarina (Carnuccio) Criniti.  Joseph was a former Newington resident before moving to Kensington.  He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater, from Pearl Harbor through the Islands to the Philippines and later Korea and China.  He was a graduate of the Moody Business School.  Joseph was formerly employed as a program manager at Pratt & Whitney, where he worked on the SR-71 spy plane and the F-15 and F-16 fighter jets, and later retired to the 18th hole at Heritage Ridge Golf Course in Hobe Sound, Florida.  Joseph enjoyed helping many people through his philanthropy.

Surviving are his son, Larry Criniti, and a brother, Nick Criniti, both of Berlin.  In addition to his parents and wife, Joseph was predeceased by a brother, Dominic Criniti, and by a sister, Rose DeFrancesco.

A graveside service will take place in Maple Cemetery in the spring.   There are no calling hours.  Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin is in charge of arrangements.