Spotlight:

2008 Partnership Award: Joseph Ashby

The late Joseph Ashby had been a part of Connecticut Food Bank's family since 2005. Joe passed away weeks before the Donor Recognition Reception.

Initially, Joe came to Connecticut Food Bank looking to fill a few hours of time, to keep busy after nearly 10 years of retirement. Joe quickly found that the Waterbury branch of Connecticut Food Bank was a second home. He took on salvage sorting and other odd jobs around the warehouse. Joe became so much like an employee in Waterbury, working hours comparable to a full-time commitment, many Waterbury branch visitors and volunteers alike were convinced he was part of the staff! His rapport with other volunteers was exceptional. He enjoyed working with students from Waterbury schools like Crosby and Wilby and took great pride in showing them the “ropes” of salvage sorting.

Waterbury staff share that while salvage sorting in the winter months, Joe was always talking about fishing come spring; however, Joe dove right into the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive each May and soon food drives were added to his growing list of volunteer jobs for Connecticut Food Bank. He was a faithful participant during the spring, summer and, of course, Thanksgiving for All food drives. In just a few years, Joe has given more than 1,200 hours of service to Connecticut Food Bank, but we are certain that his contributions cannot be measured in mere hours.

Joe was born and lived much of his life in New York State. His professional work was in casting and mold making at various foundries. He eventually came to work in Bethel, Connecticut, at the Burndy Corp., from which he retired in 1996. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and one son, one daughter, and four grandchildren.

Connecticut Food Bank was proud to honor Joe Ashby with a Partnership Award for his selfless commitment to the Waterbury branch and dedication to our mission to help our neighbors in need.