Armando Paolino, Jr.

Obituary

Armando P. Paolino Jr.

A Loving Family Man

Armando is predeceased by his wife Rita Angelica (Orio) Paolino. The love of his life for 66 years! He also leaves their three beloved children: Armando (Anne) Paolino III, Middlebury, CT, Paul (Cindy) Paolino, Waterbury, CT, and Christine Paolino (Stephen) Bailey, Mokena, IL.

He is survived by his brother Robert Paolino, Southington, CT, and his sister-in-law Theresa Paolino, Waterbury, CT; He is predeceased by his brother David Paolino (Theresa), his sister-in-law Carolee Paolino (Robert), his sister and brother in laws Marie (Orio) and William Accousti. Armando also leaves 3 grandchildren: Armando Paolino IV, Charleston, SC, Gabriella Paolino, San Diego, CA, Nicolas Bailey, Mokena, IL; a special extended family in his life Jennifer and Thor III Solberg and their sons, Thor IV and Walker, Branchberg, NJ.

Also several nieces and nephews; William (Lisa) Accousti Jr., Waterbury, CT, Audra Paolino (John) Dyckman of Prospect, CT, David Paolino Jr., Torrington, CT, John (Sumaia) Paolino Bristol, CT, Jerad (Tanya) Paolino, Southington, CT as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and many friends and acquaintances from Waterbury, CT and The Villages, FL. Of special note are his very sweet and dedicated friends and neighbors Collette Goulet, Denis Gauthier, Patty Sellers and Mike Hack of The Villages.

Armando had just celebrated his 95th Birthday with family and friends in the Villages! He was born October 12th, 1930, husband to Rita (Orio) Paolino and son of the late Armando P. Paolino Sr. and Josephine (Perazelli) Paolino. He grew up in the Cheshire, Hopeville, Reidville and Eastwood sections of Waterbury. He attended the Reidville Grammar School, Humiston School in Cheshire and graduated from SS Peter and Paul Catholic School in Waterbury. He also was a graduate of Leavenworth High School where his later gift of gab was developed, and he was cited as the class orator.

He was a depression era baby who grew up making the most of what he had, creating opportunities and enjoying family gatherings, dinners and picnics. His table was always open to anyone who came to visit anytime. He always spoke fondly of memorable times with his boyhood friends Charlie Messer and John DeCrosta and his cousins John and Joe.

He was trained as a carpenter and cabinet makers along side his father. Later on he worked as a contractor throughout Western CT and a memorable time building in Cypress Gardens, FL. He returned to Waterbury in those early days, in the 50’s, and built many homes in the Bunker Hill area with his father and the General Land Company. That is when he met Rita. She became the center of his universe and a constant loving companion through thick and thin. They were married and spent a lifetime together raising their three children.

Throughout the 60’s and 70’s he continued working as a builder, skilled cabinet maker and installer. He contracted with many companies including LesCare Kitchens and Paparazzo Bros. In the early 60’s he worked at their family owned, Paolino’s Italian Restaurant in Middlebury. It was the first restaurant with a beer license in “dry” Middlebury. He also worked in the brass industry for each of the big three, Anaconda, Chase and Scovill. As the industry wound down in the 70’s and 80’s he worked for Raymond’s Bakery and eventually to Pratt & Whitney Engine Repair facility in Cheshire, where he retired in 1995. He was always proud of the company and the products he produced there.

He attended mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, where he was married, SS Peter and Paul and later St Leo the Great Churches. He was a past member of the Favale Generali Club, the Knights of Columbus, The East Farms School PTA, and the East End Community Club.

Though he had little time for sports growing up as he worked along side his dad, he was always supportive of his children. He was a constant supporter of their efforts in education and sports, whether it was baseball, basketball, football, swimming or tennis. He also supported their involvement in the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was trained as an assistant Scout Master and attended several camping trips at Camp Mattatuck. Approaching retirement, he took up golf and played weekly into his 90’s! He was also always excited to be with his grandchildren and ask how they were doing and what was next.

His dream was always to move to Florida. Several years after retiring Armando and Rita set out on their new adventure. The next chapter was to build their first new home together in Florida at the new planned community called The Villages. He joined numerous clubs; The Connecticut Club, The Italian American Club, became a polo fan and though not a skilled golfer he was proud to have played a few holes with Arnold Palmer. He was a leader in the 2004 and 2005 parades, for the former Grid Iron Classic, featuring collegiate all-stars playing at the Villages Polo field. He was a proud UCONN basketball fan, a New York Yankees and a New York Giants fan. Even after moving to Florida he always flew the UCONN flag.

The family wishes to thank the staff at UF Health Spanish Plaines Hospital and Gentiva Hospice for their care and comfort during his final weeks. The family suggests you make an appointment to donate blood. It was a tradition of Armands’ he even reached a life time of donations well over 60 gallons. Donations can also be made in his name to the American Red Cross. Funeral arrangements will be held later at the connivence of the family. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.