Carl Piccioli

Piccioli, Carl A.
Carl (Piccolo) Piccioli, age 94 of Bridgeport, joined his beloved wife, Adaline DeZenzo Piccolo, in eternal rest on Monday, September 2, 2013 at The Jewish Home in Fairfield. Proud of being a longtime resident of Bridgeport, Carl was born there on September 6, 1918. He attended Central High School. During World War II, he served a valuable role in the United States Army as a translator in Italy. He played the clarinet, and the alto and tenor saxophone in the 5th Army Headquarters Band, then later in Bobby Val's Orchestra with whom he played many local hotspots such as the Pleasure Beach, the Ritz, and Quilty's ballrooms. Once written up in Connecticut Magazine for his famous roast beef and porchetta sandwiches, he was renowned for his culinary expertise, showcased at Carl's Luncheonette, Carl-Len's Luncheonette, the Pin-Up Restaurant, and the Keystone in a career of over 50 years. He also worked as the foreman of the riveting department at the Underwood Typewriter Company. In later years when he naturally slowed down, he still loved being on the move, whether it was on a family vacation, or a trip down the road to the diner for breakfast or to the corner store for "scratch-offs." He especially loved the company of his constant and faithful companion, Brandy, the family's cocker spaniel who brought him great joy and affection, and could always be found within easy reach for petting or treats. He was an avid sports fan, particularly of the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, and UConn basketball. His greatest gifts, though, were his love of family and friends, his charismatic personality, and his ready smile. He greeted everyone with a wink and a smile (with extra winks for pretty girls), and his trademark humor and stories seemed to follow him wherever he went. Nicknamed the "unofficial mayor of Bridgeport," his constituency crossed generation, race, religion, and class. He touched the lives of many, and will always be remembered as a man with an incredible capacity to love and be loved. A special thanks to The Jewish Home and EverCare staff, both Medical and Non-Medical, and especially to Tandet East, for their kindness and loving care. He is survived by his three daughters: Marie Griz and her husband, Andrew, of Huntington, Patricia Baglio of Ipswich, MA, and Linda Piccolo of Bridgeport; his two grandsons: Daryle Graf and his wife, Kristin, of Middletown and Eric Graf, his wife, Katie, of Stratford, and their daughter Adalyn Sophia, Carl's adorable and much-adored great granddaughter; his two step-grandchildren: Michelle Rindfleisch and her husband, Jeff, of Haddam, and Michael Griz and his wife, Kimoy, of South Hackensack, NJ; and his three handsome step-great grandsons: Aiden Griz, and Joshua and Matthew Rindfleisch. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Frank DeZenzo and his wife, Jean, of Newburyport, MA; his two sisters-in-law: Sylvia DeZenzo and MaryAnn DeZenzo; and many very special nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Adaline; his parents, Rodolfo and Marietta Pierelli Piccioli; his two sisters: Louisa Piccioli Serfilippi and Jea Piccioli Macciocca; as well as several brothers-in-law, cousins, and friends. Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 9:00 AM in the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Ave., Bridgeport and at 10:00 AM in St. Lawrence Church, 505 Shelton Ave., Shelton with a Mass of the Christian Burial. Interment in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Thursday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donation be made to the Jewish Home, 175 Jefferson St., Fairfield CT., 06825, the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Dr., Wallingford CT., 06492, or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston MA., 02284 in memory of Carl. To sign an online guest book or to send private condolences please visit www.parentelauro.com