William Sangiovanni

1941 - 2019

Reverend William (Bill) F. Sangiovanni
Feb. 24, 1941 - Feb. 4, 2019
Reverend William F. Sangiovanni passed away on Monday, February 4, 2019 at Bridges Memory Care Assisted Living in Trumbull. He was 77 years old. "The overwhelming sense of loss that many are feeling upon his death is a tribute to his vitality and vision, and the gift of his friendship experienced by so many people in our diocese and beyond. Father Bill knew how to create community and how to use his considerable political and social gifts to inspire charitable service and bring out the best in others. As a priest, educator and natural leader, he had an impact on the lives of generations of young people and their families," said Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.
Perhaps best known for his service as principal and later president of Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, Father Sangiovanni also worked in state and local government before becoming a priest and brought an entrepreneurial skill to his ministry and public service.
His creation of the annual GarlicFest as a fundraiser for Notre Dame High School brought new energy and local and national attention to the school, after he was appointed principal by Bishop Edward M. Egan in 1994. He was named president of the school by Bishop William E. Lori in 2010.
On March 19, 2017, Father Sangiovanni celebrated his 40th anniversary as a priest, and he was honored at the 60th anniversary celebration of Notre Dame High School.
Many also remember Father Sangiovanni for his involvement and leadership in missionary and volunteer efforts in Appalachia. He was the founder and member of the board of directors of Appalachia Volunteers, Inc. He also led a delegation of young people to serve on the Sioux Indian reservations of South Dakota.
Born in Brooklyn, son of the late Frank Sangiovanni and Margaret (Muldoon) Bowes, Father Sangiovanni first came to the diocese and enrolled in Fairfield University, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in history. He also earned a master's degree in Education and Arts from Fairfield University. He completed his theological studies at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels at Niagara University and was ordained by the Most Rev. Walter W. Curtis, second Bishop of Bridgeport, in St. Patrick's Church in Bridgeport on March 19, 1977.
Prior to his ordination, he was highly regarded for his service in government, where many expected him to run for office. He served as special assistant to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly and as assistant to U. S. Congressman Stewart McKinney from 1969-75.
His first priestly assignment was as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick's Church in Bridgeport. He was named to the faculty of Notre Dame High School in 1980 and became the school's spiritual director the following year. He later served as director of chaplains at Sacred Heart University.
In 1991, while teaching at Notre Dame, he was appointed to the State of Connecticut Ethics Commission by Governor Lowell Weicker and later became vice chairman. Father Sangiovanni also served as part-time chaplain at the Bridgeport Correctional Center.
He is survived by his siblings: Diane Potrzuski, Frank Sangiovanni, Dan Sangiovanni and Helen Camp and by his extended family the Galluccis and DeFelices.
Fr. Sangiovanni's selfless dedication to Notre Dame High School was unparalleled. At his request, the school has established the Fr. William Sangiovanni Memorial Scholarship. The fund was his way of ensuring a continual influence and connection with future generations of students at the school. Condolences and contributions to his scholarship can be directed to Notre Dame High School, 220 Jefferson Street, Fairfield, CT 06825. Donations can also be made online through the school's website at www.notredame.org.
His family and friends would like to extend their special thanks and adoration to Visiting Angels, Bridges by Epoch and Caring Hospice Services. A special thanks to Robert Scarpetti for his love, devotion and care to Fr. Sangiovanni.
Friends are invited to attend the funeral on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. DIRECTLY in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Rd., Fairfield with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may call on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Notre Dame High School, 220 Jefferson St., Fairfield, with a Vigil Mass starting at 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to the Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Ave., Bridgeport. To sign an online guest book or to send private condolences, please visit www.parentelauro.com