Obituary of Rosario Garofalo

Rosario "Rosie"' Garofalo, 90, of Old Lyme CT, entered into God's Kingdom Saturday, September 15, 2012 with his family by his side. Born in Middletown, October 11, 1921, the son of the late Salvatore and Adelaide Garofalo, formerly of Sicily, he lived in Middletown, New Britain and many years in Newington. In 2005 he and his beloved wife Dolores (Mikolkas) Garofalo, whom he married in 1958, made their permanent home at White Sand Beach in Old Lyme, where they had summered for many years. Along with his wife Dolores, he leaves two sons John and his wife Maria of Killingworth, CT, Dan and his wife Lorene, of Kensington, CT, his grandchildren Jacqueline, Kayla, Dan and Alana, his brother-in-law Fred Johnson, his nephew and niece Fred and Nora Johnson. He was predeceased by his sister Lena Johnson. "Rosie" went to New Britain High School where he played football and was captain in 1940, on the State Champion Football Team. Upon graduation from high school, he attended the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point in New York. There he was a junior commander and sailed on a Merchant Marine ship that delivered supplies to the troops during World War II. After graduation from Kings Point he was employed by Moore McCormick Lines. He sailed with the company for many years and traveled across Europe, South America and Africa. Upon his return to New Britain he married his wife of 54 years, worked at Pratt and Whitney and joined the Naval Reserve as a first lieutenant. Their sons were born in New Britain then the family moved to Newington. There they spent many happy years and enjoyed summers at White Sand Beach. "Rosie" was very active in the Beach Association and served on the Board of Governors. Summers brought even greater joy as the grandchildren joined the family. Upon retirement "Rosie" and Dolores made many trips to Europe and South America. He was one of the oldest living members of the New Britain Lodge of Elks 957. "Rosie" had a truly happy and full life and will be greatly missed. He was a loving husband, father, uncle, father-in-law, grandfather and friend. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:00 A.M. from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at Holy Spirit Church, Newington. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Connecticut Hospice 100 Double Beach Road Branford, CT 06405.