Joel Durette Sr

NAUGATUCK – Joel Nelson Durette Sr., 79, passed away on February 28, 2022 at Cheshire House with his loving family by his side. He was the former husband of Tamara Smith for 15 years.

Joel was born in Waterbury, Conn., on October 19, 1942, son of the late Joseph and Ruth Durette.

He grew up on Candee Road in Naugatuck and attended Naugatuck High School. Joel worked as a self-employed truck driver for 40 years, retiring in 2012.

He enjoyed spending time outside, riding his motorcycle, taking a boat ride and traveling on the rail cars. He was a handyman who did all the repair work on his trucks. When he wasn’t doing active hard work he liked to sit and watch old western movies, especially John Wayne. He had two favorite dogs, Mugsy and Charlie who were always by his side. He taught his three sons the trade of trucking and they all followed in his footsteps.

Joel is survived by his youngest brother, Terry Durette of Waterbury; his three sons, the eldest, Joel Durette Jr. of Torrington, his middle son, Scott Durette and wife, Candace, of Waterbury, and his youngest son, Darryl Durette and wife, Vicki, of Geneva, NY; his three granddaughters, Danielle Durette of Watertown, Alyssa Durette of Geneva, NY and Elizabeth Durette of Watertown; and his three grandsons, Robert Durette of Geneva, NY, Sean Durette and Jaxon Durette, both of Waterbury. In addition to his parents, Joel was predeceased by his brother, Don Durette and his grandson, Joseph A. Durette.

Calling hours will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 4, at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue, Naugatuck. Funeral services and burial will be private.