Joseph Albert Lozier, 80, of Ledyard, passed away Sunday, May 10, 2026, with his family by his side.
Joe was born on December 10, 1945, in Sussex, New Jersey, to the late Faith and Randolph Lozier. Over his 80-year journey, he left a lasting mark on his community through ministry, civic leadership, and a steadfast, generous spirit.
A graduate of Central Bible College, Springfield, MO, Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in religious education and dedicated his early years to ministry, serving as a pastor for a small community church in Bruner, MO, and Minister of Education at Calvary Temple in Groton. He later transitioned into a long and successful career in real estate development, building many of the homes in his local community, often with his sons.
Joe served on the Ledyard Town Council and as the Mayor of the Town of Ledyard from 1991 to 1995, a period of rapid transformation for the town following the opening of Foxwoods Casino. He is remembered as a bold advocate for the town, navigating complex economic shifts while fighting to preserve Ledyard’s traditional character during a period of unprecedented change. Outside of public service, Joe was a familiar face in the Ledyard town sports community, coaching young athletes and cheering on the Colonels.
Despite his public roles, Joe remained a farmer at heart. He was happiest sitting in his signature Lincoln Town Car in the middle of his fields, quietly watching over his herd of Scottish Highland cows.
Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy; his three sons, Marc (Teresa), Bruce (Keely), and Scott (Camie); his cherished daughter, Amy (Adriel); 11 grandchildren: Shannon, Jillian, Kaelin, Olivia, Aubrie, Katie, Logan, Riley, Ben, Adele, and Clay Joseph; 1 great-grandson, Caden; and another great-grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind a wide circle of family and friends who fondly remember him as “Papa Joe”.
Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, May 22, at the Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Mystic. Parking attendants will be available. A Celebration of Life will be held at Gallup Hill Baptist Church on Saturday, May 23, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to GHBC Sports Ministry at Gallup Hill Church, 79 Gallup Hill Rd, Ledyard, CT 06339, in memory of Joe. To donate, visit galluphill.org/give.