Jay Paul Nadel, 83, of Branford, died peacefully Sept. 18 at Connecticut Hospice. He was born May 14, 1930 in Bronx, New York to the late Irving and Sylvia (Braunstein) Nadel. Jay grew up on Coney Island, New York, and always said it was the best place in the world for a kid to grow up. After finishing high school, he married Joan Dolgins, joined the United States Army and served in the Korean War.

Trained as an electronics technician in the military, he pursued his interest in electronics and worked in the field for his entire career. He retired as production manager and electronic engineer at Prime Technology in North Branford.

Jay was a tireless tennis enthusiast, and played several times a week up until May 2013. His love of tennis was only surpassed by his love for family. He never minded putting together toys, hanging pictures, or building furniture for his grandchildren. He was always ready to jump in and lend a hand to anyone who needed help, and was known as the ‘expert handyman’ to all who knew him, the go-to guy whenever home repair or improvement was needed. He was a voracious reader, especially of science fiction. His was a kind and gentle spirit, and he was loved by all who knew him.

Jay is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Joan (Dolgins) Nadel; his two daughters, Lori Barrett and her husband John of Branford and Adrienne Lirio of Newington; four grandchildren, Jessie Ahearn and her husband Dan, Sammie Barrett, Lloyd Lirio, and Brandon Lirio; and his sisters Selma Selnick and Ruth Lapin, both of Florida.

The family will receive friends Saturday, Sept. 28 at 1 p.m. at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven, with a brief service to be held at the funeral home at 2 p.m. The Clancy Funeral Home, East Haven, is in charge of arrangements. www.clancyfuneralhome.com