Joseph R. "Poppy Joe" Petruzzelli, 68, of 15 Jones Rd., Hamden, died Dec, 3, 2011 at St. Raphael's Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Victoria Cavallaro Petruzzelli. Joe was born in Hamden, July 21, 1943, the son of the late Dominic and Rose Mattei Petruzzelli and was a meat cutter, owning several stores including Gils Country Market in Durham and was meat manager in Finest food in North Haven and Stop & Shop in Trumbull and Fairfield. He loved to cook and helping out the less fortunate, telling stories, going to the casinos and enjoying his grandchildren. Beside his wife he is survived by sons, Joseph Petruzzelli of Branford and David A. (Katherine) Petruzzelli of Wilbraham, MA.,stepchildren, Patricia of Fairfield, Donna of Hamden, Robin of New Bedford, MA., Pauline Cavallaro of Chester and Robert Cavallaro of Hamden, grandchildren David J,, Keith and Margaret Petruzzelli, Nick Cavallaro, David, Anthony, Robert, Jonathan, Tanya and Elizabeth and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife Maureen Ferguson Petruzzelli of Branford. He was pre-deceased by his brother Dominic Petruzzelli. Funeral Wednesday at 9:15 from the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Ave., Hamden and at St. Ann's Church at 10 o'clock. Interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park, Hamden. Friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 8 P.M.