Obituary of Joseph J. Merlotti

Joseph J. Merlotti, age 91, of Stratford, beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Hosey Merlotti, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, November 6, 2014. Born in Forty Fort, PA on December 25, 1922, he was a son of the late John and Santana Columbo Merlotti. He worked as a machinist for the former American Chain and Cable Co. of Bridgeport for many years before his retirement. He loved to watch the dog races and work in his yard. His love for cooking, especially his famous spaghetti and cheese led to family get togethers each Thursday. An avid Boston Red Sox fan, he was proud to have seen them win the World Series. Paramount in his life was his devotion to his family and their spending time together. Survivors include his children, Ann Conroy and her husband David of Stratford, John Merlotti and his wife Sue of Shelton and Wilbur Deninger and his wife Judy of Milford, four grandchildren, Jason Burdo, Patrick Burdo III, Megan Merlotti and Louisa Tramontano, three great grandchildren, Elizabeth Deninger, Max Burdo and Jason Burdo Jr. He is also survived by a brother, Mario Merlotti and his wife Rita of Bridgeport and a special niece, Donna Toth of Shelton as well as several additional nieces and nephews. Besides his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth, he is also pre-deceased by his daughters, JoAnn Deninger Tramontano and Sharon Merlotti, two sisters, Jenny Martinelli and Josephine Togna and a brother Chick Merlotti. The family would like to thank Vitas 24 hour ICI Home Care Service for their care and compassion. Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Andrew Church, 435 Anton St., Bridgeport on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow in Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 30 Elm St., P. O. Box 684, Bridgeport, CT 06604.