Joseph Malespini

Joseph Eugene Malespini 91, beloved father and Nonno, passed away peacefully at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, surrounded by his loving family on August 5, 2020. Born in Belvedere, province of Siracusa, Sicily, Italy, on February 12, 1929, he was the son of the late Salvatore and Josephine Cellizza Malespini.  Joseph came to the United States in February of 1947 with his parents and two younger brothers and proudly became a United States citizen in 1954. He graduated from The Connecticut Institute of Hairdressing and after working at the former G. Fox beauty salon, Joseph and his brother Alfredo opened Princess Hair Styling in Norwich, in 1960. In an effort to continue improving his skills, he attended classes at Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, England, Paul Mitchell in New York City and   Bruno’s School of Hair Design in Canada. 

On October 25, 1952, Joseph married the love of his life, Anna Bartolotta in Middletown, CT. Sadly, Anna died in 2014. During their 62 year marriage, they lived in Middletown, New Britain and Norwich, CT, where they raised their family.  Joseph spent many happy years golfing at Pautipaug Country Club in Baltic. In 1985 they moved to Florida and returned to Connecticut eight years ago to be closer to family. Joseph will be sadly missed by his daughter and son-in-law, Jo-Ann and Daniel Del Grosso of Waterford, and son and daughter-in-law, S. Dino and Elaine Malespini of Cromwell. “Nonno Joe” leaves five grandchildren Michael Del Grosso and his wife Sarah, Lisa Del Grosso, Angela Del Grosso Ray Lenart, Joseph Malespini and Jack Malespini.  He will also be sadly missed by his four great- grandchildren Xavier, Camden, Alyvia and Carmine. He is survived by his two brothers Sebastian and wife Mary-Jane, and Alfredo. Also surviving are Anna’s brother Theodore and his wife Evelyn Bartolotta and sisters-in-law Doreen and Jane and several dear cousins, nieces and nephews in the United States and Italy.

The family is planning a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a tribute donation may be made to the The First Tee of CT at: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/TheFirstTeeCT

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