Obituary of Joseph V. Dias

Joseph V. Dias, 86, of Clifton Park and former longtime resident of Windsor, CT, died Thursday, October 26, 2017, at his home.  He was born in Windber, PA, on November 7, 1930, and was the son of the late Victor and Anna Mehalko Dias.  He was a graduate of Ellenville High School and the University of Vermont, class of 1953, where he was a member of the baseball team and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering.  

Joe was a proud member of the United States Air Force, having served as a fighter pilot.  Following his service, he was an engineer for 30 years at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT, before retiring in 1986.  

He was married to Barbara Costello Dias, who passed away in April 2008, just months prior to the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary.  He was an active leader in Boy Scouts, inspiring in his two sons a passion for the outdoors.  With his daughter, he nurtured and supported her many athletic endeavors, and loved being part of the UConn field hockey family.  In his later years, he treasured being able to live close to and be part of the lives of his beloved grandkids.  

Joe enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, woodworking, building model airplanes, working outside, and spending time with his family and many friends.  He was a talented contractor by hobby who could build and fix almost anything.  He was always working on a project, and when age finally slowed him down, jigsaw puzzles became his daily activity.  

He is the devoted father of Edward Dias of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Robert Dias of Chelmsford, MA, and Carrie (Stephen) Hagwell of Clifton Park, NY; loving brother of Dorothy (Jack) Killeen of Wilton, NY; cherished “Grampy” to grandchildren Josh and Jack Hagwell of Clifton Park, NY, and Jordy Hagwell of Milford, CT.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be from 10 a.m.-12 noon on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Rt. 9, Clifton Park, NY 12065.  The funeral service will immediately follow at 12 noon at the funeral home.   

Interment with full military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Joseph V. Dias can be made to Homes For Our Troops (via mail: 6 Main St., Taunton, MA 02780, phone: 508-823-3300 x502, or online: donatenow.networkforgood.org/HomesforOurTroops).