Joseph W. Czulada Sr.

Former Riverhead resident Joseph W. Czulada Sr. of Calverton died Sept. 28 at Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead. He was 75. 

The son of Joseph Czulada and Sophie (Stachacz), he was born Feb. 1, 1943, in Port Jefferson.

Mr. Czulada served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1964 on the USS Valley Forge. He worked as a postal supervisor for the United States Postal Service.

On April 23, 1966, he married Rosemary Tagliareni.

Family members said Mr. Czulada was the “biggest advocate” of getting Shop Rite to move to Riverhead. He was a current member of the Riverhead Exempts, an ex-captain of the Riverhead Fire Department Washington Engine Company No. 2, a member of the Polish Town Civic Association, an original Polish Town Eagle and a Beer Barrel polka dancer.

Mr. Czulada loved his grandchildren, who called him Poppy. He was an avid woodworker and loved casinos.

Predeceased by his daughter Jill Marie Czulada, Mr. Czulada is survived by his wife; his sons, Joseph Jr. and John (Gina) Czulada; daughter Jamie (Jim) Delaney; and five grandchildren.

The family received visitors Oct. 1 with visiting hours continuing Tuesday, Oct. 2, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead. A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, at St. Isidore R.C. Church in Riverhead. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project or the St. Isidore R.C. Church food pantry.

Condolences may be left online at tuthillfh.com.

This is a paid notice.