PLANTSVILLE – Joseph P. Bush Jr., 80, of Plantsville, beloved husband of Aline (Gravel) Bush, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024, at his home.
Joe was born Sept. 4, 1943, in Hartford to the late Joseph P. Bush Sr.
and Margaret (Mascalo) Bush. He was raised in Southington and was a graduate of Southington High School. After high school Joe went on to complete an apprenticeship, becoming a journeyman and skilled machinist.
He spent his career working at several area machine shops including ITW Waterbury Buckle/Highland Manufacturing and Stewart EFI until retirement. Joe also co-owned J-Del Machine Repair and Rebuilding LLC. Over the years, his in-depth knowledge of the trade, along with his workmanship, became well known and sought after by many local companies.
In addition to his loving wife of 60 years, Joe is survived by his son, Joseph P. Bush III and his wife Karen and two grandchildren, Alex and Lauren. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as many other relatives and close friends.
He was predeceased by his brother Robert Bush. Joe was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His wife and family were always the priority.
Being known as “Papa Joe” was one of his greatest joys. He cherished his time with Alex and Lauren, and they looked forward to their adventures with him. Papa Joe had the biggest heart and the best hugs.
He could be found playing countless games with the kids, teaching them how to fish, assistant coaching for Alex’s school baseball teams, and cheering them on at sporting events and school concerts. Joe was also an avid fisherman. He enjoyed many years boating with family and friends in New England on beautiful freshwater lakes like Bantam and Lake Champlain.
There was never a shortage of stories from these trips and about the fish that got away. Baseball was a favorite pastime and Joe was a lifetime New York Yankees fan. He passed the love of the sport and the team to his son and grandchildren.
In recent years, he and Aline adopted and fell in love with their precious dog named “Fluffy.” Joe spoke of him as a true companion and together they enjoyed many car rides to places like Roger’s Orchards and the shoreline. Joe will be missed by all who knew him; his life touched many, as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday (July 30, 2024) at 11 a.m. at Mary Our Queen Church, 248 Savage St.
, Plantsville. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery, 209 Belleview Ave.
, Southington. Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, on Monday between 4 and 7 p.
m. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489 or at act.
alz.org. Please visit Joe’s memorial website at FunkFuneralHome.
com..
