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William Cugno Obituary
Born April 4, 1948, in Waterbury, he was the son of Anthony and Marie Cugno of Harwich, Mass. He graduated from Waterbury's Crosby High School in 1967. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic in 1984 and a master's degree in public administration from Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, Pa., in 1991.
General Cugno served as the adjutant general and commander of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard from June 1999 until his retirement in April 2005. Prior to becoming the adjutant general, during his 38 year military career, he served in several command and staff positions. General Cugno was a combat veteran of Vietnam where he served as a platoon leader from August 1968 to 1969 with the 9th Infantry Division. He joined the Connecticut Army National Guard in 1970 and held several staff and company command positions to include the 1st Battalion, 192nd (coastal) Artillery; Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 242nd Engineer Battalion; 130th Public Affairs Detachment. Following his company commands, General Cugno served as the Connecticut National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Manager for eight years. He then served as the commander of the 242nd Combat Engineer Battalion. Upon graduation from the U.S. Army War College, General Cugno was assigned as the commander of the 85th Troop Command, a brigade-size command, and served until 1994 when he was named the State Director of Plans, Operations, and Military Support for the Connecticut Military Department.
In 1996, he served as the chief of staff for the City of Waterbury and was responsible for the day-to-day operations of city government.
General Cugno earned many military decorations and awards including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with one Silver Hourglass Device, Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device; and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He was a member of many civic organizations including the National Guard Associations of the United States and Connecticut, the Association of the United States Army and the American Legion.
General Cugno is survived by his parents; his proud daughters, Krista Cugno Lofquist of Southington, Kara Cugno of Greenwich; brothers, Richard and Thomas Cugno; his sister, Terri Kurkjian; his granddaughters, Natalie and Sofia Lofquist, who adored their "Papa"; his nieces, Anna Kurkjian and Bridget Cugno; his nephews, Anthony Cugno and Christopher Kurkjian; his son-in-law, Mark Lofquist; his former wife of 37 years and the mother of his children, Carolyn Cugno; and his Labrador, "Harley."
He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for fishing, hunting, cooking, and riding his Harley. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and the Florida Patriot Guard. Most recently, he enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his family and friends, restoring street rod cars, and renovating properties. He loved life, his country, and his family. He will be greatly missed by all.
A wake will be conducted from noon until 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, in Nett Hall, Camp Niantic, 36 Smith St., Niantic, followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. Interment will be private at a later date. A memorial service date in Naples will be conducted at a date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to the Connecticut National Guard Foundation, Inc. (CTNGFI), 360 Broad St., Hartford CT 06105-3706.
Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com for directions or to send a condolence message to the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cugno
Bob and Barbara Bacon
November 28, 2011
We met Bill when he moved to Naples. He was an outstanding person and a great friend; he would do anything for you and was willing to share all that he had. He did not care who you were or what you did for a living. Bill was definitely a “Family First” guy. Through Bill we met his parents, his sister, two brothers and their families. We also met his daughters and granddaughters. We were always welcomed at his home or his families' homes. I know the sorrow we feel, I cannot imagine the sorrow his family and Angie feel. We enjoyed many motorcycle rides with Bill in Florida and our special ride around the four corners of the US. May you rest in peace my friend. May God be with the Cugno family and Angie during these difficult times.
SFC Leonard Benedetto
November 24, 2011
My deepest condolences to the family of Major General William Cugno
Bill, you may be gone, but you are never forgotten. I remember the day you called me in your office in 1976, you asked me to bake a cake for Govenor Ella Grosso. You said you wanted the cake to feed one hundred people, then two days later you asked me to bake enough for two thousand people. So, I baked 10 full sheet size cakes and put them on a 4'x8' sheet of plywood. I baked 24 layer cakes,red,white and blue along with 13 cakes in the shape of stars. All two thousand people had cake, and with your guidence,I completed the mission. You will be missed ,but never forgotten. You were a great friend and Officer the 40 years I have know you.
SFC Leanord A. Benedetto ( Benny the baker )
John Odell
November 24, 2011
Soldier, father, friend and leader. Praying for those you left behind especially your daughters and grandchildren. May you now have peace with the loved ones who have passed before you and may you rest in honored glory with your comrades.
John & Jamie Sabatino
November 22, 2011
To our dear friend Bill, we will miss you dearly and treasure our friendship and all of the wonderful memories we have. To Angie, the entire Cugno Family, and Harley, we send our love and prayers. We feel special to have known and loved Bill and are grateful that he shared a small part of his life, family, and friends with us. He is our very special friend and will always be in our hearts.
Sandy Blackstone Antonellis
November 21, 2011
To the Cungo Family please except my Deepest Sympthay in your loss. MG Cungo was part of my family life in the CT Army National Guard. With my father, brother and 3 sister all worked for him at some point in there career in the CTNG,I was also at one time the AAFES Store as the PX Manager at Camp Niantic for 5 years under his command.
November 21, 2011
Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Maj General William A. Cugno. His distinctive accomplishments have indeed brought great credit upon himself, his family, and the United States Armed Forces.
It has been a great honor and privilege to have served under his command while participating in the CT State Guard Reserve from June 1999 until April 2005. He will long be remembered.
Leonard F. Dube', SGM, Retired
Veterans' Service Office
Military Final Honors Squads of NW CT
Kathy Southern
November 21, 2011
Dear Angie, Rick, and Sue,
May you find peace in knowing lots of love is being sent your way here in Naples. Bill would be proud of the many admirations you have of him. Keep love in your heart Angie and Bill will watch over you.
Rick Cugno
November 20, 2011
While Bill's professional career was noteworthy, his impact on the lives of his friends and family is even more significant.
Bill was a true leader. He was looked up to by many as being a straight shooter -- both honest and direct, yet always recognizing the value and contribution of others.Bill held himself to the highest standards of all and led by example with all that he did.
Bill loved his family most of all, but also had a passion for riding his Harley, building street rods, hunting, fishing, and cooking. Bill was never without a BIG project done to perfection. He renovated his Naples, FL home with his life partner Angela, and together they made it a happy and beautiful home, with frequent impromptu barbeque's and meals
for family and friends. Bill's friends quickly learned that with the Cugno Family, it wasn't just about the great Italian food, it was always about the conversations at the table with family and friends... conversations that were spirited, enthusiastic and went
on through the night!
Bill celebrated life every day and lived it to the fullest, whether it was a mission on the battlefield
or the Four Corner Motorcycle Trip around the Country. Family was always number one.Bill will be remembered
and loved always, and his life will be celebrated in the memory of each person who knew him. Bill danced as
though no one was watching, sang as though no one could hear, and loved like he had never been hurt... He was an amazing Son, Brother, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and Friend, and will be dearly missed by all that were fortunate enough to have known him.
He was my Hero and I'm going to miss my brother...
Cecelia Roberge,Col.(ret)
November 19, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Cugno family. I am honored that I had the opportunity to serve with General Cugno. He will be missed by those who knew him.
November 19, 2011
To the Cugno family: Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I severed with Bill as his XO when he commanded the Troop Command in New London,CT. He was a soldier's soldier and I was proud to have severed with him.
Col(Ret) Richard M Heffernon.
November 19, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Cugno family on your loss.
Many years ago Bill was my boss, my mentor and he was a long-time friend. But most important, Bill was one of those few people who come into your life and truly impact the rest of your life. Hadn't seen Bill in a few years but I'll continue to benefit from our association. I will miss him.
Maj. Peter Anderson (Ret.)
Southington
November 19, 2011
It was an honor to have known Bill for the last few years. He was an incredible friend, especially to my husband, Rich. He loved his life in Naples and we shared many fun and happy times with he and Angie. My condolences to Marie and Tony, Rick, Angie and the entire family.
Karen Coan
Naples, FL
November 19, 2011
To the Cugno family,
Know that your loss is shared by many.
Bill was a kind and gentle warrior who never bragged about his exploits, but wore his medals proudly. He has been and shall always be missed.
In sympathy, I am,
Eric Muth
Past Commander
Disabled American Veterans
Chapter 15 Milford-Stratford-Monroe
Nicholas Cianci, Jr.
November 19, 2011
To the Cugno Family,
My Deepest Sympathy to you all.
Another HERO has been called home.
I had not seen Bill for many years but I remember he was always a Gentelman and I enjoyed his company whenever we had the chance to attend the same functions in Waterbury and at the state level. He was a True Friend and will be Greatly missed.
I will keep you all in my Prayers.
RIP Billy and May GOD Bless You.
Nick Cianci
John Peterson
November 18, 2011
Heartfelt sympathy to your family. Will surely miss this fellow street rodder.
November 18, 2011
To the Cugno Family,
My hearts and prayers are with you. Bill was a great man, but more than that, he was an incredible teacher. In my early life in politics I learned a lot from him. He taught me right from wrong and to be mindful of my surroundings.
A true patriot and a companion for life.
Bill you will be sorely missed. God Bless.
Mike Rell
Joyce Taylor
November 18, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Cugno family,
Bill was one of a kind. I will cherish the time we had together in Waterbury, and will never forget his leadership, razor sharp wit, and stunning combination of heart and grit.
It was truly an honor to know him. Goodbye my mentor, my friend.
Joyce Lee Taylor
Kim Bohigian
November 18, 2011
Krista, Kara, Carolyn and family,
My deepest sympathy, may the love of family and friends carry you through this difficult time.
November 18, 2011
To the Cugno Family,
It was a great privilege to have known him for the short time from 2004 until he retired, while I served as a member of the Veterans Parade Planning Committee. He was a gentleman and a great soldier.
I honor him as a courageous defender of our freedom and a dedicated public servant. He was unpretentious and a "regular guy".
My deepest condolences to you all and warm thanks for sharing him with us.
Elliott Donn
Past Commander
Department of CT
Jewish War Veterans of the USA
Brian Perry
November 18, 2011
Prayers for your family during this difficult time.
Timothy Longino
November 18, 2011
To Krista, Kara and Carolyn,
My deepest and sincerest prayers go out to you and your family. Bill's love for you and commitment to this Country will never leave my memory. Distance and time, never effected the times I continue to think back to the hunting, fishing and many great adventures we undertook together (seemed so long ago, brothers in work and friends in life). I hope you find peace in the knowledge that those who cared to know him, understood the heights to which he would go for all of you. With a heavy heart, I say good bye to my friend - Bill.
Steve Alander
November 18, 2011
To the Cugno Family, Rick,and Mr.& Mrs. Cugno, It was a very sad day when I heard of Bill's passing. He had become a very dear friend in a short time for me and our family. Bill was humble about his background, we were unaware of his distinguished miltary career; we now feel honored to have known him for His services to our Country. He loved to ride his motorcycles and enjoyed the many Hot Rods as well as the new shop he'd built to spent time with friends and Harley. He will be extremely missed by all the people he touch in LIFE. Our deepest sympathy & prayers to ALL.
Your Friend, Steve Alander & All the Guys @ Generation Gap
Philip Delgado
November 18, 2011
A long and slow salute to Gen. Cugno for his service to our country. Prayers for the family. He will be missed. He was a leader and an example to all men and women in the Connecticut Air and Army National Guard. SFC Philip Delgado (Ret) Woodbridge, VA
Bill Rocheleau
November 18, 2011
To the Cugno family, I am sorry for your loss. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy and prayers. It was a pleasure to serve with Bill over the years, he was a great soldier.
Bill Rocheleau MSG Ret Tucson, AZ
Timothy Symonds
November 18, 2011
I never met a man who worked so hard to take advantage of all life had to offer...William Cugno lived each moment to the fullest. As a general he led from the front and was a tireless visionary always looking for ways to improve and make the organization better. Olga, Chris and I have all have the Cugno family in our thoughts and prayers. I find great comfort in times like these by celebrating the life one has lived...MG (ret.) Cugno you have left all of us great examples on how to live our lives. You have touched many and given us great memories. Thank you for your service to our state and nation. God bless...Tim Symonds
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