Joseph Anthony Pranulis, Sr

Joseph Anthony Pranulis was born in Waterbury, CT, to Joseph Pranulis and Julia Surkuite on May 22, 1917 and was baptized at St. Josephs Church in Waterbury. About 1922, his parents decided to return to Lithuania and he returned with them.

In 1938, he decided to return to the United States himself, leaving his family in Lithuania and arriving in New York aboard the Gripsholm (pictured below) on November 17, 1938.

After returning to the United States, he worked at becoming a Tool Maker. On May 16, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Army, and served with distinction in Europe in World War II, and was awarded a Purple Heart. After returning to the United States, he began working at Scovill Brass and, at the same time, establishing his own specialty metal working shop, Able Tool. He married Rita Lillian Kuslis (Lillian) on July 12, 1952 and they lived in Waterbury for a few years until building their own home in Prospect, Connecticut.

Joseph and Lillian had 6 children, Joseph, Nancy, Donald, Carol, Laura, and Linda.

Joseph and Lillian continued to live in Prospect, Connecticut, as their children grew and moved out, and frequently acted as host to various family members who visited from Lithuania, including Ruta Kincuite who spent about 6 months living with the family in 1993. He also made frequent visits to Lithuania after travel between the United States and Lithuania became less restricted.

Joseph retired in Prospect, after transferring Able Tool to his son, Donald, and continued to live there after his wife, Lillian, died in 2000. He particularly enjoyed spending time with all of his grandchildren, attending their various school functions and activities and acting as the occasional babysitter whenever needed.

Joseph was involved in an automobile accident in April 2004, and ultimately died from its effects on June 10, 2004. He is buried in the Lithuanian cemetery in Waterbury, Connecticut.