Carmen O. Gagliardi

Carmen O. Gagliardi, of Kensington, widower of Charlotte (Thayer) Gagliardi, died Thursday evening at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, three days before his 90th birthday. Born in New Britain, son of the late Frank and the late Mary (Masi) Gagliardi, he graduated from New Britain High School, served in the US Navy in WWII and the Korean Conflict, and was the owner of Mellocrest Ice Cream until his retirement. He was a member of Kensington Congregational Church, Berlin Civitan where he was past president, V.F.W. Post #10732, the Italian-American War Vets of the United States, and the Berlin Lions Club who honored him as a Melvin Jones Fellow, the Knights of the Blind, a Loyal Shepherd Fellow for humanitarian services for FIDELCO Guide Dog Foundation, and was an avid hunter and traveler. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Richard F. Gagliardi EdD and Eaudine Gagliardi of Kensington, a sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Lou Mazzoni of New Britain, a sister-in-law, Joan Gagliardi of New Britain, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Louis Gagliardi. A funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11am at Porter's Funeral Service, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, The Rev. Olivia Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in West Lane Cemetery, Kensington. Friends and relatives are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10am until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kensington Congregational Church, 312 Percival Avenue, Kensington, CT 06037, or a charity of the donor's choice. Directions to the funeral home can be found at: www.portersfuneral.com.