Anton Joseph Hierl

Anton Joseph Hierl, 89, of Coventry, CT, formerly of Branchburg NJ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Manchester Memorial Hospital on Friday, October 24. Joe was a beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather, and was “Pop” to the whole family. He was born January 12, 1936, in Newark, NJ. He was the son of the late Agnes and Anton Hierl.

Pop loved working on cars as a young man growing up in Irvington, NJ. He served in the National Guard from 1954-1963 and worked as a machinist prior to his career as a sales manager and later starting and running his own business as an independent sales representative in the fluid-handling equipment industry. He was a proud member of the Elks. He married Carol Lavix on February 7, 1959. They travelled extensively, with a fondness for the Southwest US. They made their home in Branchburg NJ and remained there for 48 years before moving to CT in 2020 to be close to their grandchildren. Pop enjoyed providing nourishment and shelter for the many birds in the yard while combating the intruding squirrels. Pop and Mum loved their roles as grandparents, and the Patriarch and Matriarch of the family. They had a wonderful 66 years together before her passing in 2024.

He is survived by his son David and his wife Rose of Coventry, CT, who was Pop’s carer; his son James and his partner Jackie of Somerville, NJ; his 6 grandchildren: Karic, Cassandra, Aidan, Luca, Konnor, and Allie; his brother Peter and his wife Rosemary of Union, NJ; his sister Barbara Dean and her husband Robert of Bolton, CT; his sister Agnes and her husband Fred of Franklin Square, NY; and nephews and nieces.

Friends and Family are welcome to join us in celebration of Joe’s life from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Holmes Watkins Funeral Home 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT. A Mass of Catholic Burial will follow at 11 AM at St. Matthew’s church 111 Tolland Green, Tolland, CT. A burial will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Tolland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude (stjude.org)