Joseph J. Yakabowskas Jr.

Joseph “Joe” Justin Yakabowskas Jr, 66, of Sanford, ME, formerly of Saint Johnsbury, VT, raised in Ansonia, CT, passed away unexpectedly, when he was called home by his Lord and Savior, Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Joe was born in Hartford, CT, June 19, 1960, a beloved son to Joseph Sr and Retha (Geces) Yakabowskas. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his parents-in-law William and Charline Ritchie, and his sister, Christine Fox.

He is survived by his friend and ex-wife of many years, Karen (Ritchie) Sczurek and her husband, Bruce, of Meriden, CT. He is also survived by his children; Christopher Yezik of Ansonia, CT, Jennifer (Yezik) Freidhof and her husband, Jamie, of Natick, MA, Danielle Yakabowskas of Derby, CT, and Dana (Yakabowskas) Keil and her husband, Brendan, of Rotterdam, NY. He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Alexandria Yezik, Dante Yakabowskas, Ian Yezik, Peyton Pandolfi, and Evelyn Keil.

In addition, he is survived by his siblings Carl, Karen, and Patricia, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In his youth he enjoyed playing trumpet for the Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps and loved going to band competitions with his daughter, Dana. He graduated from Notre Dame High School of West Haven, class of 1979. He served in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Connecticut School of Electronics, where he began his career in engineering. He enjoyed working for many years with “The fax / copier guys and Mary” at Pitney Bowes/OCE/Imagistics. He had many friends and acquaintances of Bill W over many states who tried to support him with life’s struggles. He was an avid Las Vegas/ Oakland Raiders fan. He enjoyed doing home DIY projects… remember to measure twice, cut once! He delighted in trying new tea and seltzer flavors, liked BBQ places, and rice pudding. He enjoyed vacationing in Ocean City, NJ with family. He greatly enjoyed spending time with extended family-the Freidhof Family of Vermont and the Keil Family of New York. He was strong in his faith and often prayed for anyone in need. He was grateful for his church families and their support and fellowship, Union Baptist Church, Waterford, VT. What he loved most of all was spending time with his family. Nothing gave him greater joy than being with his kids and grandkids!

Joe’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Reclaim Christian Church, 11 High Acres Rd. Ansonia, CT on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. followed by a funeral service.

For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the funeral service will be available at 1pm via:
https://reclaimchristianchurch.subspla.sh/mrn965k

In lieu of flowers the family requests you make donations to Covered Bridge Recovery Ministry. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 569, Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819 or online through their giving link: covered-bridge.networkforgood.com