Farmington Obituary: Joseph Perrotta, 88

We sadly announce the death of Joseph Perrotta, cherished husband of Carol Perrotta. A longtime resident of Farmington, he was born in 1930, the eldest son of Angelo and Angelina Perrotta. As a young boy growing up in New Britain, he found many opportunities in the city around him. Playing softball in a park near his home was the beginning of his love of baseball.

As a fan of the Yankees, Joe recalled how thrilled he was when his father took him to Yankee Stadium to see Joe DiMaggio. He decided then that he wanted to be a pro ball player. In years to come Joe became a star pitcher for the Golden Hurricanes and later the Blue Devils at CCSU. A sportswriter once wrote, “When one talks about great pitchers who grew up in CT, the list of best hurdlers wouldn’t be complete if it didn’t include the name of ‘Lefty’ Joe Perrotta”.

Graduating from New Britain High School, Joe attended CCSU where, in his junior year, he signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League. During his five year stint with the Pirates, he had many successes. Joe was invited to spring training which was to be held in Cuba, with the parent club and was unable to attend because of his induction into the U.S. Army. During his two years of service, he pitched in the Redstone Arsenal Team and was recognized as the MVP of the service teams in Alabama.

After his discharge from the Army, he continued playing ball for many local teams and, in 1963, made the decision to retire from baseball. Throughout his career, Joe received many honors for his sports accomplishments including the MVP in the Industrial League in 1949, the 1952 Bob Sleder Award for the player likely to go the furthest in baseball, most outstanding pitcher in the Carolina League All Stars game in 1953, the New Britain VFW Post Sportsman of the Year award in 1970, a spot in the CCSU Alumni Association Athletics Hall of Fame in 1989, and a place in the New Britain High Baseball Hall of Fame in 1996.

In addition to sports, Joe was dedicated to education. He received a B.S. Degree from CCSU, a M.S. from University of Hartford, and a 6th year professional certificate from the University of Connecticut along with a certification for Superintendent of Schools. He began his teaching career in the New Britain Public school system, where he taught for seven years. He was then appointed as school principal and served for 32 years.

Joe also served many leadership roles in the community. He was General Chairman of the Cancer Drive and Dollars for Scholars, President of the Sheldon Clinic Board of Directors and New Britain Lions Club, and later became Chairman of the Lions Club International.

Despite remaining busy with all these responsibilities, Joe always found time to stay active with sports. He was an enthusiastic and accomplished golfer. A member of the Indian Hill Country Club and later at the Stanley Golf course, he played every day with his “golf Buddies.” In the winter Joe played at the Plantation of Amelia Island, again with his brother-in-law Mike and other close friends.

Joe was predeceased by his brother John Perrotta and sister-in-law Linda Perrotta. He leaves his wife Carol, three children, 2 step children, and several grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. He leaves also his brother Anthony Perrotta and his sister-in-law Judy Perrotta.

The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22nd at 10:00 am in Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church Main St, Unionville. There will be no calling hours and burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Baseball Scholarship Fund at CCSU Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 612, New Britain, CT 06050.

Arrangements: Ahern Funeral Home