Walas, Joseph Walter

Joseph Walter Walas, Jr., 73, of East Haddam, formerly of Durham, and husband of the late Linda (Good) Walas, passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown. Joseph was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, son of the late, Joseph “Biff” Walas and Alice (Kozlosky) Walas. Joseph was a former member of the Army National Guard, The Lions Club International and held the esteemed position of past president of the American Scientific Glassblowers Society. Prior to his retirement Joseph worked as a Scientific Glass Blower for various companies and institutions, including UMass, Wesleyan, East Carolina University and United Technologies. If you were lucky enough to know him, or even to have met him, you know how incredibly special he was. He was a fighter up until the very end, and he did it with bravery and dignity. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the people he cared about most. We are beyond grateful to have been there with him, surrounding him with our love and support. Although our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that "Grandpa Fish" is already out on a boat, somewhere on the water, catching all the fish his heart desires. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, friend, neighbor and grandpa - he will forever be missed and never forgotten. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Todd Tibbetts (Anne) of Seattle, WA; Matthew Walas (Kate) of West Hartford, CT; daughters, Stephanie Lizotte (Clifford) of Glastonbury, CT; Heather Lonergan (Jason) of Higganum, CT. He is also survived by his brothers, Jeffrey Walas of Sunderland, MA; James Walas of Chestertown, NY; sisters, Diane Pickering of Shutesbury, MA; Deborah Carey of Leverett, MA; and Jennifer Cavagnac of Amherst, MA. Joseph leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication to his nine cherished grandchildren: Skylar and Sam Tibbetts, Azjah Lizotte, Kelsey, Brenna and Aubrey Lonergan, and Eleanor, Henry and Amelia Walas. A heartfelt thanks to the incredibly supportive staff of the Middlesex Health Hospice Program. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Joe’s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741, or the Connecticut River Conservancy, 15 Bank Row, Greenfield, MA 01301. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.