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NEW CANAAN, Conn. – Joseph G. Liska of New Canaan died Oct. 19 at home surrounded by his family. He was 88.
Born Aug. 10, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of Joseph and Bertha Sprandel Liska. He was married to Evelyn Liska, who died in 2007. He served in the Navy during World War II and in the Reserves for many years.
He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1949 and worked for Union Carbide for 40 years in the industrial gases and welding division. A resident of New Canaan for more than 58 years, his true life's work was his family, his home and community activities.
He coached the Cub League baseball Robins for 10 years and cheered his sons at baseball and football games with his wife, Evelyn. Liska was a "super fan" of the New Canaan High School football Rams for decades, his family said.
He enjoyed flounder fishing, home remodeling, gardening and stone work. He also revived a childhood love of pigeon fancying, raising and showing birds for more than 40 years. He served as president of numerous local and national clubs and achieved the status of master breeder.
In retirement, he joined Weichert Realty and later Realty Guild of New Canaan. He also served as town constable and was a member of the New Canaan Senior Men’s Club.
Liska is survived by four sons, J Brant (Karen), of Kennett Square, Pa., Craig A. of Voorhees, N.J., Mark A. (Marie), of Falmouth, Mass., and Gary B. (Veronique), of Kennett Square; and seven grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Congregational Church of New Canaan. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Hoyt Funeral Home in New Canaan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Staying Put, P.O. Box 484, New Canaan, CT 06840, or Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, P.O. Box 489. Wilton, CT 06897.
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