Obituary of Joseph Jenks

Joseph B. Jenks, age 90 of Ansonia, beloved husband of Helen Nesevitch Jenks, fell asleep in the Lord, with his wife by his side on December 22, 2013 at Griffin Hospital. Born in Orange on August 20, 1923, he was the son of the late John and Sophie Puzio Jankowski. Mr. Jenks served in the U.S. Army as a PFC in the 43rd Battalion Anti-Aircraft, attached to the 79th Division during WWII. He fought in the battles and campaigns of Normandy, Northern France, Belgium, Rhineland and Central Europe and was awarded with the Distinguished Unit Badge among other medals. He was very proud of his military service and enjoyed traveling with his wife throughout the U.S. to attend many army reunions. Mr. Jenks worked 40 years as a machine assistant and jitney operator for the Farrel Corporation until his retirement in 1982. Simultaneously, he raised Aberdeen Angus Cattle and sold Agway products from his family farm in Orange. He will be remembered for his passion for flying. He owned a Cherokee 180 airplane and with his wife and friends, flew hundreds of hours over New England, the East Coast and Florida. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. In addition to his wife of 27 years, he is survived by several nieces and nephews; as well as great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three sisters, Helen Mersey, Lottie Kuziel and Louise Calderwood. Funeral services will take place on Friday, December 27, 2013 at 9:00 A.M., from the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home, 167 Wakelee Ave., Ansonia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 105 Clifton Ave., Ansonia at 10:00 A.M. Military Honors will be accorded directly following Mass. Springtime interment will be in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Derby. Family and friends may call on Thursday, December 26, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM; Panikhida at 6:30 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sts. Peter and Paul Preservation Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.