Joseph R. Sanca, 82, of Hamden passed away peacefully March 24th at CT Hospice. Born In New Haven, son of the late Carmen & Susan Ruggiero Sanca, Joe worked as a mechanic in the family business. He later worked at W I Clark, and in the maintenance depts. of Hamden High School & University of New Haven until his retirement in 2006. He graduated from Hamden High in 1958 and enlisted in the Navy where he served in the Mediterranean on the USS Gattlin destroyer. He was happily married to his high school sweetheart, Gladys Taber, for more than 60 years. Our gentle giant was an avid sports fan who enjoyed any good game. Above all his family was his pride and joy. In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons; Robert (Nancy), & Michael (Mary Grace), a brother Pete, grandchildren; Nicole Yanuzzi (John), Michael (Marissa), Jacquelyn (Carissa), and Brian, great grandfather of Jack. He was predeceased by brothers Robert & Carl. Friends are invited to attend a funeral service TUESDAY at 10:30 A.M. in the Peter H. Torello & Son F.H., 1022 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, and may call Tuesday morning from 8:30 - 10:30 A.M. Burial in Centerville cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the American Parkinson Disease ( www.apdaparkinson.org ) or CT Hospice ( www.hospice.com )