Obituary of Andrew P Denuzze

Denuzze: Andrew P. Denuzze, 86, a long time New Britain Attorney, was so friendly and well known that merchants, politicians and restaurateurs called him " Mayor of Main Street", died May 18th, 2007. "Andy" was born in New Britain on West Main Street in a family operated store on October 14, 1920 to Peter and Carmella (Mascola) Denuzze. He graduated from New Britain High School and then served in the Armed Forces during WW II. Upon returning from the Army, he worked his way through Ohio State University, and The University of Cincinnati School of Law, graduating in 1950. He met Marguerite Mae "Peg" Howard in Columbus, Ohio and married her on September 7, 1947. In addition to practicing law over 50 years in both Ohio and Connecticut and training a number of new lawyers in his firm, Andy devoted much of his life to public service. Gov. William O'Neill appointed him a Workers Compensation Commissioner for the Sixth District and he served as a Commissioner for about fifteen years. His service to his community began in 1954 as a member of the local Board of Education, then Assistant Corporation Council and Corporation Council for the City of New Britain. President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed him Chairman of the U.S. Draft Board for New Britain and Berlin. Among his many political activities, he was a candidate for Mayor twice and later for the U.S. Congress. He was proud of his contribution as an original incorporator of the New Britain Constructive Workshop. He also served as an incorporator for the Klingberg Home, the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and the Hospital for Special Care. He was a member of the New Britain Lions Club and a life member of the New Britain Lodge of Elks. He was instrumental with others in organizing the Angelo Tomasso Sr. Lodge, Order Sons of Italy in America and was a signatory of the original charter. He served as the National Adjutant of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and many other roles both great and small for which he was honored. Mr. Denuzze is survived by his beloved wife, Peg, of almost sixty years. His two devoted daughters, The Rev. Patricia Denuzze Stevens, of Atlanta, who practiced law with her father for several years and Mrs. Susan Denuzze Sinclair, a local educator, and her husband James Sinclair of Southington. He is survived by his grandchildren, James, Andrea and Marguerite Sinclair of Southington and Sarah Stevens of Atlanta. He was one of seven children and is survived by his siblings, Rosemary Perna of Kensington, Elizabeth Longo, formerly of Portland, CT., Peter J. Denuzze of New Britain and Mary Ann Cianci-Gagliardone of Kensington. Andy was predeceased by his brother and sister Anthony Denuzze and Julie Cianci. He leaves behind eight nieces and nephews and many cousins for whom he cared for deeply. Andy loved the law, fine clothes, driving convertibles and playing drums. Along with his beloved wife Peg and his pet white standard poodle "Ritz", he greatly enjoyed their home on Cape Cod. Most of all he loved his family dearly and spoke of each member with affection. He enjoyed a close relationship with his grandson James who spent many hours with his grandfather in his later years. He served his country and community and rested assured in his Roman Catholic Faith in his Lord's eternal mercy. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 22, at 9:30 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, CT followed by a Mass of Christian burial 10:30 A.M. at St. Maurice Church 100 Wightman Rd. New Britain. Friends may call at the funeral home Monday, May 21, from 5 to 8 P.M. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, New Britain, CT In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Klingberg Family Center, 370 Linwood St. New Britain, CT or The Hospital for Special Care, 2150 Corbin Ave, New Britain, CT