Mr. Robert A Radocchio Sr.

1931 - 2013

WINSTED >> Robert A. Radocchio, Sr., 82, passed away on Monday, July 15, 2013. He was the devoted husband of the late Caroline (Lord) Radocchio for 49 ½ years. Born March 8, 1931 in New York City; he was the son of the late Anthony and Trudy (Nagle) Radocchio. He was raised in Sheffield, MA, by his grandmother and aunts and attended the local schools there. After graduating, he enlisted in the Army serving in the Korean War as a Medic. When he came home, he married Caroline Lord. He worked at the Clockshop, where he met his wife then Hudson Wire for a few years then went to work for Pratt & Whitney in Hartford and Middletown. He was a Machinist for 21 years there. He then decided it was time for a new adventure so along with his family, they purchased the Winsted Diner (home of the famous Ra-doc-a-doodle). He owned and ran the diner for 32 years. It was open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week closed on Sunday at noon. It was a family affair all of his children worked there at one time or another. In 2005, the diner had a terrible fire and was completely gutted. That was the end of his adventure. He loved his customers like family; no one ever went hungry if they came to him or Carol. They delivered coffee and food to the local volunteer fire depts.., whenever they were called out to fires until they closed in 2005. They had complimentary full holiday dinners to show thanks to regular customers. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Winsted, the American Legion and various other organizations throughout his lifetime. He also loved going to the Sunrise Diner in Sheffield with his good friend, Gordon Griswald, almost every Sunday and dinner occasionally during the week. His grandson, Matthew Gillette was by his side the whole time. Matthew's wedding is in August and he was so looking forward to the special occasion. He will be missed by his family and friends. He leaves his three sons, Robert (Susan) Radocchio Jr., Ronald (Edna) Radocchio and Jeff (Patty) Radocchio; his only daughter, Trudy Radocchio Gillette; 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Audrey Walsh and Barbara Nicosia; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was predeceased by a son, Kenneth "Doc" Radocchio; and three sisters, Gertrude Sarto, Cammy Rovero and Maureen Mozlak. Friends may call on Friday, July 19, 2013 at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, 922 Main Street, Winsted from 6 – 8 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at St. Joseph Church, Winsted at 11 a.m. with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the: V.F.W. Post #296, Winsted, Newington V.A. or Disabled Veterans of America. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.