Joseph R. Vasselli, 81, of Milford, CT, passed away on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven. He was born in Newark to the late James and Marie Vasselli and had lived in Fort Lee, Edgewater, and most recently Milford, CT. Joseph was a Veteran of the Air Force Reserves and received his B.A. and PHD from Columbia University. He was a Research Scientist for the Obesity Research Center, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, and the Miles Institute of Preclinical Pharmacology. He was also a member of the following organizations: American Diabetes Association, American Physiological Association, the Endocrine Society, the Obesity Society, and the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Maggio) of Milford, CT; his brother, James Vasselli of Little Egg Harbor; his sister, Constance Peterson of Lewis DE; his mother-in-law, Johanna Maggio of Edison; his sister and brother-in-law, Diana and Michael Roberts; his niece, Andrea; and his nephews, Eric, James, Matthew, Michael, and Robert. Visitation is on Sunday, August 15, 2021 from 1 to 3pm and 6 to 8pm. The funeral will take place on Monday, August 16, 2021 at 9:15am at the Costello – Runyon Funeral Home, 568 Middlesex Ave. (Rt.27) Metuchen, followed by a 10am Funeral Mass at St. Cecelia RC Church in Iselin. The interment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia. Donations may be made in Joseph’s name to the Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, CT at www.givetoynhh.org