Richard F. Compolattaro

RICHARD F. COMPOLATTARO "COMPO," 81, passed away peacefully with his loving family and friends by his side Thursday, August 13, 2009 at Stamford Hospital. Born April 28, 1928 in Stamford, he was the son of the late Frank and Helen Morelli Compolattaro. Richard was the president of Compo Brothers Incorporated, heavy hauling, rigging and crane service. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers since 1948. "Richie" played a significant part of the forming of Stamford, from demolition to rebuilding from the mid 1940s on. He was instrumental in the moving and relocating of many houses to make way for I-95 as it came through Stamford and the surrounding areas. He also spent many years moving Industrial equipment for local factories such as Pitney Bowes, Electrolux, Arnold Bakery and RB&W to name a few. The word "impossible" was not in his vocabulary and he often had to design and fabricate the tools and equipment needed to do a job better, faster and safer. "Richie's" accomplishments as a house mover, rigger and equipment operator were extensive and he took great pride in his work. For Richard these successes were what defined him as a man and he enjoyed telling his work stories with great pride to anyone who was interested in hearing them. Richard was also a lifetime member of the Ponus Yacht Club where he enjoyed boating and spending time with his friends reminiscing about "The good old days." He was a veteran and served honorably for the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. While in the Navy, he worked on the Ways launching Mine-sweepers for Luders Marine Construction Co. in Stamford. Richard loved spending time with friends and family at his vacation home in Vermont. He is survived by his former wife, Faye Silverman Compolattaro of Stamford; three sons, Randy Compolattaro and his wife, Andra of Stamford, Clifford Compolat-taro and his wife, Susan of Sandy Hook and Reed Compolattaro and his wife, Michelle of Stamford; a granddaughter, Shelby Compolattaro; his loving companion, Carole Morgan and her daughters, Heather and her husband, Richard Netherwood and Jennifer Morgan and grand-daughters, Morgan and Juliette; two sisters, Connie Casale of Virginia and Marie Rich of Stamford; a brother, Frank Compolattaro of Stamford; and several nieces and nephews. Friends may call in the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, Tuesday, August 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. A funeral procession will be leaving the funeral home at 9:40 a.m., Wednesday, August 19 and proceed to Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in Stamford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations are made to Stamford Hospital ICU, Stamford Hospital Foundation Memorial & Tribute Fund, 1351 Washington Blvd., Stamford, CT 06902. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cognetta.com.