Obituary of Harry F. Lelio

Resident of Shelton Harry F. Lelio Poppa, age 85, of Shelton, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2012 surrounded by his loving family at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Binghamton, NY on December 26, 1926 and was raised in Scranton, PA. He was the son of the late Charles and Helen Varga. Mr. Lelio retired from Sikorsky Aircraft of Stratford after 44 years. Harry was extremely proud of his leadership service on the Presidential Helicopter Fleet at Sikorsky, spanning seven presidents from J.F.K. to George H.W. Bush, serving as foreman then manager of that division. He was a proud WWII U.S. Navy veteran serving on the USS Quincy CA 71 Heavy Cruiser and faithfully attended the ships yearly reunions until the time of his death. Poppa was known for his zest for a martini, clams on the half shell, poker, storytelling, travel and his classic movies. Poppa will be missed for his wisdom, guidance and his unlimited generosity to all. A special thanks to his loving niece, Genine and his care givers, Mary, Lisa, Lyddy and Annie for all the care and compassion they gave to Harry. To the Veterans Memorial Hospital in West Haven and the MICU Staff of Bridgeport Hospital, we thank you. Survivors include his four loving children, Laura Christy and her partner Cheryl Valentine of Belize, Edward Lelio of Milford, Lisa Pavlich and her partner James Kuhn of Shelton, Amy Mariconda and her husband Peter of Stratford and former son-in-law Richard Pavlich of California, five cherished grandchildren, Alessandra Simna, Matthew and Samantha Pavlich, Megan and Conor Lelio, four sisters, Theresa Karam, Jean Arnone, Silvia Lello and Eileen Pricci, all of PA, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rebecca Christy Benyamini, his former wife, Louise Bonvini Lelio, brother, Barney Lelio and sisters, Mary Batch and Helen Sauerwein. Funeral Information A Memorial Gathering will take place on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 3-6 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull followed by a service at 6 p.m. with military honors. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 4170005, Boston, MA 02241-7005 or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 100 Veterans Blvd., Stratford, CT 06615.