Obituary of Joseph Preston

PRESTON- Joseph M. Preston, age 87, beloved husband of Marion Woolley Preston of Port St. Lucie, FL, died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family on October 13, 2010. Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 19, 1922, he was the son of the late Joseph and Edith Smith Preston. Mr. Preston was a proud U.S. Army Veteran of WWII and member of the VFW. He was a longtime resident of Monroe before moving to Stuart, FL, 20 years ago. Mr. Preston was the Parts Manager for O'Keefe Cadillac for over 20 years, prior to his retirement. He was an avid sportsman participating in various bowling leagues, but his passion was baseball. Nearly playing professional baseball for the Brooklyn Dodgers in his younger years, he kept his dream alive by becoming a founding member of Monroe Little League and a long time coach. He had a great fondness for music and was a drummer in his earlier years. Mr. Preston served the Monroe community as an Aux. Police Officer and was active with many automotive associations affiliated with General Motors. In addition to his wife of 24 years, he is survived by his children, Michael (Ann) Preston of Sandy Hook, CT, Patricia (Vincent) Stapleton of Stratford, CT, Ann Marie Preston of TX; stepchildren, Laura (Walter) VanWallendael of Hobe Sound, FL, Richard (Kim) Wilson and William (Mary) Wilson, all of L.I., N.Y.; sister, Ann (William) Anziano of Stamford, CT; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor Boroczky Preston; sons, Richard and Joseph Preston; and a sister, Josephine Preston. Funeral services will take place on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM in the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia, CT. Interment with Military Honors will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport, CT. Family and friends may call on Sunday, October 17, 2010, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Treasure Coast Hospice, 10360 S. Federal Hwy., Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. On line condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.