F. Joseph Dawson, Joe, of Moodus, CT and Naples, Fl died on July 26, 2021, after holding Parkinson’s Disease at bay for more than eight years. Joe was born March 17, 1941. He was the oldest of five siblings in Middletown, CT. Joe raised his family in Glastonbury, CT. He enjoyed his retirement by splitting time between Naples, Florida and Moodus, Connecticut.
Joe and his, wife Judy Kutzner Dawson, who met in highschool, were married for 57 years He is survived by three children, Christopher Dawson (Trisha Dawson), Leslie Dawson Ledoux (Chris Griffiths), and Paige Dawson Slemmer (Robert Slemmer) and his 4 grandchildren: Olivia, Robbie, Molly and Jake. Their ‘borrowed son’ Joey. In addition to his wife and children, he leaves behind four devoted and cherished siblings, Dick Dawson (Paula), Bob Dawson (Jean), Peter Dawson (Joanne), and Sandy Sheridan (Phil), and a large extended family.
Always a man of few words, Joe let his brains and hands do his talking. He built a 39-year career at Pratt & Whitney where he indispensably served in too many divisions and leadership roles to record here. He was the can-do, go-to guy that neighbors and his communities turned to for everything from small home repairs to major renovations that included carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and roofing. There was no task too small, too large or too complicated for Joe to tackle.
His communities meant so much to him. He and his family were a charter host family for the Glastonbury ABC (A Better Chance) program in 1974. Through that his family was blessed with their borrowed son, Joey Rodrigues, of the Bronx… his coaching of his three children in sport leagues, whether they liked it or not… his 9-year role as President of his Florida Condo Association at Cedar Hammock, he would have continued except health forced him to step down… at Gillette’s Castle where he, Larry Fraser & Dick Tower cleared trails and he eventually became a board member… and his participation in MMG (Monday Morning Guys) at First Church of East Haddam, where he and other retirees caringly made repairs. Joe was also a passionate golfer – a perfect sport for him when you consider that the game involves tools and tactics. During his retirement, he and Judy also enjoyed 3 cross country road trips.
Special appreciation to the staff of Chestelm Health and Rehabilitation Center. They became our family and they cared for Joe as if he were their own.
And while Joe has left us, his inspiring, enduring example never will.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Glastonbury ABC, P.O. Box 502 Glastonbury, CT 06033 or Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, 2575 Northbrooke Plaza Drive, Building 300-Suite 301, Naples, Florida 34119 or First Church of Christ, Congregational, 499 Town Street, East Haddam, Connecticut 06464
A memorial service will be held at First Church of Christ in East Haddam on Saturday, August 7th at 11:00, with reception to follow, in the reception hall. The family has requested that no flowers be sent.
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