Ferdinand Banti

BANTI, FERDINAND Ferdinand Banti, 90, of Orange, loving husband for 56 years to the late Rose Aprile Banti, passed away Sept. 19, 2013 at his home. Born in New Haven July 7, 1923, he was the son of the late Valentino and Esther Coassin Banti. He moved to Bentina, Italy where he grew up and moved back to New Haven in 1948 where he met and fell in love with Rosa. Together they raised three children, Fred (Jean) Banti, Jr. of Flemington, N.J., Pamela (Santo) Galatioto and Cynthia (Joseph) Cafasso, both of Orange. They were also instrumental in the lives of their beloved grandchildren, Joseph Cafasso, Jr., Heather (Donald) Allen, Michael (Eleanor), Christopher and Santo Galatioto, Jr., Vanessa Banti & Laura (Jeffrey) Yankowski; and their great granddaughters, Aprile Rose & Ashlie Rose Allen and Grace Galatioto. Family was extremely important for Fred. He worked for his uncle's tile business, learning the ropes so that he could establish his own business. In the early 1950's, he established Banti Tile Co. which he operated and managed with the help of his devoted wife, Rosa. He took great pride in his work and his secret to success was to keep his customers happy. He enjoyed playing pinochle and was a member of The Marchegiana Society and the Pietra Micca Club. He loved to cook and was a self proclaimed Italian chef, often having friends and relatives over to his home for dinner. He loved hosting parties and holidays at his home. He was an active member of the Orange Senior Center where he enjoyed many activities and was a favorite of the ladies because of his dancing skills. Besides his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren, he is survived by a brother, Romolo (Catherine) Banti of North Branford; a sister, Victoria (Gino) Ferri of Cape Coral, FL.; a sister-in-law, Mary Banti of North Haven and several nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Remo Banti and two sisters, Mary Orazzini and Josephine Catania. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral from The Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm St. (cor. Dwight) New Haven, Saturday morning at 9:15. Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Road., Orange at 10:00. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday (TODAY) from 5 to 8 pm. Interment in Orange Center Cemetery. www.celentanofuneralhome.com