Elyce (Woiciechowski) Della Bianca
Elyce (Woiciechowski) Della Bianca, 42, of Bristol, wife of Blake Della Bianca died Thursday, Dec. 23, 2010, at home surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 1, 1968, in Bristol and was a daughter of Elaine (Wojtusik) Woiciechowski of Farminigton and the late Charles Woiciechowski. She graduated from BEHS class of 1986 and graduated from Leslie College, Boston, Mass., with a BA degree in elementary education in 1996. Besides her husband and mother, she leaves a son, Owen Della Bianca, and a daughter, Rachel Della Bianca, both at home. She is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Eric and Melissa Woiciechowski of Harwinton; her maternal grandparents, Florence and Robert Wojtusik of Bristol; two aunt and uncles; and several cousins. The funeral will be held Tuesday, 9 a.m., from DuPont Funeral Home, 25 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, to St. Joseph Church for a Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol. Visitat...
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Michael C. Zoppo,
Thursday, February 25, 2010 2:38 PM EST
78, husband of Mary Ellen (Tracy) Zoppo, died Feb. 23, 2010, at Bristol Hospital following a brief illness. Born Aug. 11, 1931, to Angelo and Rosa Zoppo, Mike grew up on the North Side and attended local schools, graduating from Bristol High School in 1949. He earned an accounting degree from the Hartford School of Accounting and went on to operate his accounting firm for over 40 years. Locally, he served as the treasurer for many community organizations over the years including the Bristol Democratic Town Committee and the Cedar Lake Owners Association. He served as a member of the city of Bristol’s Board of Finance for over 20 years and as a member of the St. Joseph’s Parish Finance Committee. He was a past member of the Bristol UNICO Club, the Bristol Historical Society, the Bristol Federal Hill Association and St. Joseph’s Church. In addition to his wife of 44 years, he is survived by his daughter, Ellen Zoppo and her husband, Peter Sassu; his cherished grandchildren, Michaela, Zachary and Carson Sassu; his son, Michael Paul Zoppo of Geneva, Switzerland; a brother, Joseph C. Zoppo of Bristol; and two sisters and brothers-in law, Jack and Patricia Mullin of Bristol and Jack and Paula Baker of Convent Station, N.J.; and many other relatives and friends. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be made in Mike’s memory to two programs that he enjoyed greatly: the Boys & Girls Club and Family Center Rookie League baseball program, 105 Laurel St., Bristol, or the Bristol Historical Society’s Third Thursday lecture series, P.O. Box 1393, Bristol CT 06011-1393.
Dolindo Morelli
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 10:04 PM EST
Dolindo Morelli, 88 years young, lifelong New Britain resident, passed away Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, after a period of declining health with his loving family by his side. He was the beloved husband of Catherine A. (Dezi) Morelli. Born in New Britain on May 21, 1921, he was the son of Leopoldo and Pia (Rosadelli) Morelli. He was a graduate of New Britain High School in 1940 and attended Mass State University. He proudly served his country during World War II as an Army Air Corps flight navigator, and from 1946 to 1954, he owned and operated the Casino Restaurant in Old Saybrook. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Ann’s Church. In 1963 he joined UNICO and in 1980 received the local UNICO Man of the Year award because he embodied the phrase from the UNICO prayer, “Grateful for the ability to serve” and the UNICO motto “Service above self.” For 31 years, he was the proprietor of the Meadowland Restaurant in New Britain before retiring in 1985. He spent the remaining 18 years in the companionship of his devoted wife, Cathy. He was a member of the Sons of Italy, the New Britain Lodge of Elks and the Italian Fraternal Society. His hobbies included woodworking, Yankee baseball and fishing and he will be remembered for his fish dinner parties at UNICO fundraisers. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Thomas McDonnell of Florida, and Diana (Muirhead) and Roland Salerno of New Britain; a stepson, Michael Dezi and his wife, Cindy; seven grandchildren, Kevin McDonnell, Paul Muirhead, Ryan McDonnell and his wife, Patty, Angela (Muirhead) Kaltenborn and her husband, John, Michael Dolindo McDonnell and his wife, Kelly, Gina Dezi and Lindsay Dezi; and three great-grandchildren, Christopher (C.J.) McDonnell, Daniel McDonnell, and Payton McDonnell. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Marian N. (Turchi) Morelli. In lieu of flowers, tax deductible donations may be made in memory of Dolindo Morelli to “New Britain Chapter UNICO Foundation Inc.”, P.O. Box 446, New Britain, CT 06050. To leave an online tribute or condolence, please visit www.newbritainsagarino.com
Raymond Oneglia, 86, on Nov. 2, 2009.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
TORRINGTON — Raymond Albert Oneglia, 86, former President and Chairman of the Board of O&G Industries, Inc., died on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, amid the tears of a loving, devoted and sorrowing family.
Born in Harwinton on Dec. 2, 1922, he was the son of O&G founders Andrew Joseph Oneglia and Virginia Elizabeth Civelli Oneglia. Mr. Oneglia was raised in Harwinton and Torrington and attended Southwest School and Torrington High School. While in elementary school, he was a Tenderfoot Boy Scout with Troop 4.
He served two years with the United States Army Air Corps of Engineers in Biloxi, Miss. during World War II. Upon his return to Torrington, he devoted his professional life, totaling 71 years, to the development of O&G Industries.
The growth and development of O&G Industries was a direct result of Mr. Oneglia`s strong bond with his father Andrew, the devotion he had to his mother, the support and love for 62 years from his wife Gloria, his close relationship with his three devoted sisters, his partnership with his two brothers, and his own personal vision. He was greatly admired for his work ethic and sense of humor which rendered him such an important auxiliary in the early struggles of the Connecticut construction industry. By accounts of both his employees and peers in the industry, he was a giant among them. It was once said that Mr. Oneglia was a `Construction Beethoven who could visualize a symphony, where others heard only a tune.`
He was 1st Vice President of O&G Building Materials from 1954 to 1974. He was President from 1986 through 1989. From 1974 through his retirement in 1999, he served as Chairman of the Board. He served one term as president of the Connecticut Road Builders Association from 1965 to 1966.
In addition to O&G Industries, Mr. Oneglia had other business interests. He was a partner with Louis Cornelio and former Torrington Mayor Anthony C. Gelormino in Vets Fireworks, which is now Vets Explosives. He was also a partner with his brothers Francis and George in the Danbury Car Wash and the Torrington Car Wash. He founded Northwest Insurance Agency, which presently operates as the Litchfield Insurance Group.
He served on the Torrington Board of Finance from March 11, 1958 to Jan. 1, 1962. He was a member of the Eagles and Elks Clubs and was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He was a 50 year member of the Torrington Chapter of UNICO and was a past president of the Italian American Society. He was a long time member of the Torrington YMCA, a 46 year member of the Torrington Country Club, and a member of the Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. where he made his winter home. A true Renaissance man, he held a private instrument twin engine pilot’s license for many years and loved aviation. He enjoyed skiing, hiking, and golfing, although he claimed he would rather be working. He often stated that he had no `off switch` when it came to his work.
He was generous in his life, and people were blessed by his labors. He was an advocate and ardent financial supporter of several organizations, most notably, the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund and the Cleveland Clinic. His interest in the Fallen Heroes Fund was borne of his gratitude that his own sons were spared the unfortunate circumstances of war. A generous community advocate, he spearheaded the campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the Warner Theatre. He also supported many local charities, especially the Torrington Rotary Club and Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.
He is survived by his wife Gloria Ballarin Oneglia, and their three children and spouses, Raymond and Ellen Oneglia and David and Irene Oneglia of Litchfield and Cynthia Oneglia and Dan Whalen of Washington Depot; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Tufford and husband Ben of Robbinsville, N.J., Sayzie Koldys and Nathan Koldys of Torrington, Elizabeth Gioia and husband Joe of Torrington, Brad Oneglia and Ryan Oneglia of West Hartford and Myra Oneglia of Manhattan, N.Y.; three great-grandchildren, Emily and Ryan Tufford and Zachary Gioia. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law George and Elmira Oneglia, his sister and brother-in-law Cora and Peter Regis, his sister and brother-in-law Anita and Ernest Torizzo and his sister-in-law Louisa Oneglia. In addition he leaves 20 nieces and nephews and many great and great grand nieces and nephews. Mr. Oneglia was preceded in death by his loving sister, Barbara Oneglia Alvarez Tycienski and her husband Robert Alvarez, his brother-in-law Michael Cianciolo and his brother and business partner of 70 years, Francis Oneglia.
GRAFFEO, William J. "Bill" William J. "Bill" Graffeo, 94, of White Birch Lane, Avon, husband of the late Dorothy (Wheate) Graffeo, died Tuesday, (January 20, 2009) at home. He was born March 1, 1914, in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Salvatore and Josephine (Giaramita) Graffeo and had lived in Avon since 1961. Bill was a graduate of Bushwick High School in Brooklyn, NY and was a graduate of Heffley's Business College. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations from 1942 to 1946. Mr. Graffeo was associated with the shoe business since the age of 14 working after school and during vacations. He was an associate with the Knapp Shoe Co., for over 50 years as a Salesman, District Manager and Sales Manager until 1985. After retiring from supervisory work, he represented Knapp as a Sales Representative and Counselor. Bill was a long standing member of the Prince Thomas of Savoy Club, a member of the United Commercial Travelers Association and a lifetime member of the Gildo Consolini VFW Post #3272 having served as Chaplain for many years, as well as a member of the post's Color Guard. Bill was also a charter member of UNICO National, Avon Chapter since 1984 serving as Sergeant of Arms and Chaplain for 20 years. His devoted and tireless effort in fund raising for UNICO's Annual Scholarships presented to seniors at Avon High School afforded him the honor of UNICO naming an annual scholarship in his name, The William Graffeo Scholarship. He single handedly raised over $100,000 throughout these many years of soliciting local business for ads in his pet project, the Ad Booklet for UNICO's pasta dinner and golf tournament. He is survived by his daughter, Doreen Green of Avon; his son, Ronald Graffeo of North Carolina; two granddaughters, Erin Green of San Francisco, CA and Kylie Green and her husband Sam Agris of Philadelphia, PA; a brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Julie Graffeo of Dunwoody, GA; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Anna Piazza.
ONEGLIA, Francis J. Francis J. Oneglia, age 88, of Harwinton, and West Palm Beach, FL, died peacefully on Wednesday, (November 26, 2008), surrounded by his loving family. Francis and Louisa (DaRoss) Oneglia were married on September 28, 1946, and she survives him, along with their two sons, Gregory S. Oneglia and Roderic M. Oneglia. Francis was born in Torrington on October 29, 1920, the son of the late Andrew Oneglia and Virginia (Civelli) Oneglia. He graduated from Torrington High School (1938) and from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1942), with a degree in civil engineering. He played varsity baseball and basketball at both schools. As the Co-Captain of the WPI basketball team, he set a scoring record that stood for twenty-five years. He was inducted into the THS and the WPI Sports Halls of Fame. After college, Francis enlisted in the United States Army as a private and served in the 7th Armored Division. Among other campaigns, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, the famous German winter offensive in late 1944. He received the Combat Infantry Medal, four battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal, a good conduct medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. He was most proud of his battlefield commission and ended his military service as a 2nd Lt. in 1945. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Upon his return home, he joined his family's construction business, O&G Industries, Inc., of Torrington, serving as President from 1961 until 1985. In addition to being a Director of O&G, he also served as a Director of three public companies-Colonial Bank and Trust, Torin Corporation, and Torrington Water Company-and two private companies-City Block, Inc. and Northwestern Insurance Agency. He was a Director of the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, the Torrington Chamber of Commerce, and the Easter Seal Society of Greater Waterbury; a Trustee of the Torrington Library, the Connecticut Junior Republic, and the Torrington YMCA; and Elector of the Wadsworth Atheneum; a Corporator of the Brooker Memorial and the Torrington Historical Society. He was a member of the Naugatuck Valley Task Force. He served as President of the Connecticut Bituminous Concrete Association and belonged to the Torrington Lodge of Elks, the Serra Club, and the Torrington Chapter of UNICO. He was a communicant of St. Peter`s Roman Catholic Church in Torrington and Clerk of the Works at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Litchfield. For many decades, Francis was an ardent fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team and attended hundreds of games. He was a good friend to many of the players, managers and business managers, who honored him with his own parking place at their spring training stadium. He enjoyed life tremendously with his golfing buddies at the Torrington Country Club and the Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, FL, and with their friends at the Palm Beach Yacht Club. In later years, he and Louisa joined the Litchfield Country Club to enjoy time with their large family. With great good cheer and a marvelous sense of humor, Francis loved and guided his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren through constant good example, to do right, to be generous, and to treat others as you would be treated. He will be greatly missed by Catherine Swoyer Oneglia and by Dr. Michael Quadland. In addition to Louisa, Greg and Rod, he is survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Matthew Francis Oneglia; Jessica Oneglia Travelstead, her husband Jason and their two daughters, Eliza and Hannah; Thomas Oneglia, his wife Mary and their children, John Francis and Luciana; Daniel Oneglia and his wife Elizabeth; and Christina Oneglia Rossi and her husband John. He also leaves his brother George and his wife, Elmira Oneglia; his brother Raymond and his wife, Gloria Oneglia; his sister Anita and her husband, Ernest Torizzo; and his sister Cora (Cianciolo) and her husband, Peter Regis; twenty-six nieces and nephews and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. His sister Barbara Alvarez Tycienski predeceased him. Mr. Oneglia held the work and mission of the following organizations in very high regard and directed that, in lieu of flowers, any contributions in his memory be made to the Connecticut Junior Republic, P.O. Box 161, Litchfield, CT, 06759, the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, P.O. Box 988, Torrington, CT 06790 and the Torrington Chapter of UNICO, P.O. Box 175, Torrington, CT 06790. |
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