Joseph J. Shaia

Joseph J. Shaia, 86, of Torrington, CT, beloved husband of Grace (Herman) Shaia passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on March 6, 2026. Born on July 29, 1939, in Torrington, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Joseph and Clara (Murelli) Shaia and brother of the late Richard Shaia and Lois (Shaia) Seymour.

For 42 years, Joseph proudly served as a machinist at The Torrington Company, where his craftsmanship and commitment were well-regarded by colleagues and friends. His work ethic was paralleled only by his love for his family, who were the center of his life.

In addition to his loving wife, Grace, he is survived by a daughter, Doreen Shaia; his stepdaughter, Mary Ann Marino of Winchester, CT; his step-son, Paul Marino, Jr. of Winchester, CT and his grandsons, James Marino and Paul J. Marino III.

Joe also leaves behind his dear sister, Lois Seymour of Torrington, several beloved nieces and a nephew: Kelly Tonetti, Melissa Shaia, Kate Herman, Tess Herman, and Shawn Richardson.

Joe could regularly be found enjoying the company of good friends at The Sullivan Senior Center or walking his dog, Duffy, along the Franklin Street Riverfront walk. Joe and Grace loved to travel far and wide, they visited Europe, The Caribbean, Alaska and the Western U.S. during their retirement years. As an avid Yankees fan, Joe’s favorite time of year was baseball season when he could visit Yankee Stadium with his grandsons or count strikes, balls and runs on TV with his niece Kate. His summers were spent with his wife, Grace, and the whole family, at Highland Lake where evening trips to DQ after sunset boat rides became tradition. His love of baseball extended to his grandsons, whose little league games he never missed, and to his great granddaughter’s recent T-Ball season.

A Funeral Service to honor Joseph's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Torrington, located at 21 Fern Drive, on March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Torrington. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society (cthumane.org).