70°
NORWALK, Conn. - Joseph Leo Hajla of Norwalk died Tuesday, Sept. 3. He was 88.
Hajla was born April 27, 1925, in New York City, son of Joseph and Lea Pastorek Hajla. He was a Purple Heart recipient having served during World War II in the 101st Infantry. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and served as assistant to the Dean of the School of Engineering at Fairfield University. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America was awarded a fourth degree membership in the Knights of Columbus.
Hajla is survived by his son, Josef (Lori) Graham of Stamford; daughters, Jeanmarie Hajla of Vero Beach, Fla., and Ann Elizabeth Menotti of State College, Pa.; sisters, Florence MacKay of Kansas City, Mo., and Winnie Hespe of Whiting, N.J.; five grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; and wife, Ann Elizabeth “Betty” Wilkinson Hajla.
Calling hours are Friday, Sept. 6 from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7 at St. Matthew Church, 216 Scribner Ave., Norwalk. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. John Cemetery.
Donations in Hajla’s name may be made to the North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, N.Y.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
