Lupangelo Guerrera

1947 - 2025

Lupangelo Guerrera
"Owner of Caffé Italia and Pillar of the Italian-American Community"
Lupangelo "Lupo" Guerrera, 78, of Wolcott, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the VITAS Inpatient Unit at St. Mary's Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Maria (Guerrera) Guerrera, with whom he shared over 60 beautiful years of marriage.
Lupo was born in Pontelandolfo, Benevento, Italy on April 28, 1947, a son of the late Angelo and Angela (Addona) Guerrera. He immigrated to the United States in 1966 following his marriage to Maria.
Lupo began his American journey surrounded and supported by a community of friends from the old country. He plied his trade as a toolmaker working for several local companies, most notably Wolcott Tool & Die, but in "the land of opportunity," Lupo's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited. Over the years he owned and operated several businesses, including Taylor Rental and International Video, but will forever be known as the proprietor of Caffé Italia in Waterbury - a beloved establishment that remains a cherished landmark in the community to this day.
To Lupo, Caffé Italia was more than just a business, it was an instant journey back to the "Paese." Everyone was considered a friend and many were considered family. Some of Lupo's happiest moments were spent at the caffé, playing countless games of cards and having fiery debates over the most trivial of topics. The Guerrera family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of patrons for their unwavering support, friendship, and the meaningful bonds formed over so many years.
The family wishes to especially highlight what defined Lupo beyond all else: his profound dedication to the Italian-American community in Waterbury. He was endlessly generous with his time, support, and talents, always ready to help anyone in need - whether it was assisting with passports and paperwork, promoting cultural events, or lending a hand wherever he could. Lupo played a central role in bringing Italian music artists to perform in Waterbury and in organizing dances and events at the Pontelandolfo Community Club, where he was a devoted longtime member. He also took great pride and joy in being part of the WNTY 990 Italian Radio program he hosted each Sunday for over 50 years. The family wish to thank to all of his loyal listeners throughout the years, he truly enjoyed entertaining them each week.
Besides his beloved wife Maria, Lupo leaves behind three sons who adored him: Antonio "Tony" Guerrera and his wife Christine of Wolcott, Dino Guerrera and his wife Iveta of Wolcott, and Nico Guerrera and his wife Rachel of East Hampton. He also leaves his cousin, Franca Hahn, and her husband Eric of Northfield. Lupo's legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Juliana Guerrera and her fiancé Collin Hall, Giovanni Guerrera, Luciano Guerrera, Dario Guerrera, and Marco Guerrera. He will also be deeply missed by extended family, numerous friends, and his entire Caffé Italia family.
The family would finally like to extend their sincere gratitude to those medical professionals who cared for Lupo during his courageous battle. Dr. Marc Raad for his exceptional guidance and friendship, Dr. Victor Chang and his staff at The Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Joseph Morley and the Cardiology Associates team, Dr. Amer Zeidan and the Smilow Cancer Hospital staff, and the compassionate team at the VITAS Inpatient Unit at St. Mary's Hospital.
Arrangements: Calling hours for Lupo will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial, the Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. Members of the Pontelandolfo Community Club will meet and perform their service Tuesday morning, 11:00 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial.
For more info or to send e-condolences visit: www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com