Charles Bruno Rando

1922 - 2016

East Lyme - Charles Bruno Rando, 94, of Bush Hill Drive, Niantic, died peacefully at home in the loving embrace of his family on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016.

He was born on May 6, 1922, in Niantic, to William and Josephine (Fazio) Rando. He attended Chapman Technical High School in New London, graduating in 1940.

Charles worked in the shipyard at Electric Boat for over 40 years as the foreman, and subsequently general foreman, of various trades. During that time, he also served for eighteen months in the Pacific during World War II as a member of the U.S. Naval Construction Forces.

Charles enjoyed working with his hands and was an avid gardener. "Wherever I could plant something, I would," he once said. He was renowned by neighbors, family and friends for his endless supply of vegetables grown every summer.

On May 24, 1947, he married his wife, Ruth Francis (Byrne) Rando, at St. Agnes Church in Niantic. They celebrated 59 years together before her passing in 2006.

Charles is survived by his elder son, Thomas Rando and his wife, Patrice Rando, of Niantic; his younger son, William Rando and his wife, Nancy Rando, of Old Lyme; and his daughter, Constance Mitchell and her husband, William Mitchell, of Norwich. He was a loving grandfather, and is survived by grandchildren, Charles, Mikaela and Thomas Rando; Kacie, Jesse, Carly and Caroline Rando; and Matthew, Benjamin, Daniel and Joseph Mitchell. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Trinity, Tristyn and Kiernan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at St. Agnes Church, Haigh Street, Niantic. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Niantic. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to the Center for Hospice Care of Southeastern CT, 227 Dunham Road, Norwich, CT 06360.

www.neilanfuneralhome.com.