Dr. Joseph R. Zaientz

It is with great sadness that the family of Dr. Joseph Richard Zaientz announces his passing on March 11, 2023, at age 84. Joe (Doc) was predeceased by his parents Harry Zaientz and Edith (Perlin) Zaientz. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years Fredda (Pollans) Zaientz, by his three great sons Jack (Stephanie), Luke (Alice), and Nate (Sara), and his six wonderful grandchildren Eva, Lila, Sadie, Mollie, Samuel, and Benjamin. He also leaves his sister Helen Liveten, his brothers-in-law Ken (Maria) Pollans, and Larry (Barbara Baum) Pollans, and many dear friends.

Joe graduated from Cheshire Academy, Duke University, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. He leaves an admirable legacy of participation in his community in many areas. He was in the Army for three years including one as Captain in the Dental Corps in Vietnam. After he and Fredda married, they settled in Haddam where Joe established his dental practice. He became a volunteer fireman in the Haddam Neck Volunteer Fire Department and served over forty years as fire fighter, training officer, secretary, captain, chief, certified EMT and president of the Board of Directors of the Haddam Fire Department. He was active in Haddam Public Health as treasurer, then as president for three terms. In 1994 he established the Haddam Shad Museum to commemorate and celebrate the history of shad fishing on the Connecticut River. He recently donated the Museum to the Haddam Historical Society to ensure its continuation. He also drove for meals-on-wheels delivery for over twelve years.

Joe also actively supported his faith community at Congregation Adath Israel in Middletown. He served on the Board of Directors, on various committees, and as vice-president of the synagogue.

Even with all those activities he still enjoyed participating in family affairs and pursuing many interesting hobbies. Joe was an amazing man who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and associates.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Doolittle Funeral Home. The funeral will be on Sunday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. at Congregation Adath Israel in Middletown, 8 Broad Street, with burial following in Rock Landing Cemetery in Haddam Neck where full military honors will be accorded. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.