Joseph D. Formato, Jr., 97, beloved husband of Elaine (Malinowski) Formato, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his wife and three children.

Born in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Joseph and Florence (Cavalier) Formato, Sr. A man of strength, discipline, and devotion, Joseph was a professional boxer and a proud United States Army veteran. Following his military service, he dedicated his life to education, serving for more than 30 years as a Physical Education teacher at Race Brook School with the Orange Board of Education. He earned his Master's Degree from Southern Connecticut State University and was deeply committed to mentoring generations of students.

Joseph was a devoted husband for seventy years and a proud father to Denise Valerie Botti, Robert Joseph Formato, and Donna Lynn Formato. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Civitello and Anne Amore, eight grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished deeply, whether near or far. He was predeceased by his sister, Dorothy Ann Parente.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 16th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown. Words of Remembrance will follow at 1:30 p.m., with graveside services and military honors at Resurrection Cemetery in Westbrook, CT. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.