Albert Mecozzi

Albert P. Mecozzi, 93, of Wilton passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 16th, 1923, in Georgetown, CT, the son of Joseph and Bertina Mecozzi. He graduated from the Danbury Trade School in 1941. Albert (who was also fondly referred to as Al, Baldo, and Bard) was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Josephine (Di Camillo) Mecozzi in 2012. He is survived by his daughter Jo Ann (Mecozzi) Nessel and her husband John, his son Gary Mecozzi and his wife Barbara, and four grandchildren Pamela and Christa Nessel and Lauren and Christopher Mecozzi. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who frequently described him as "their hero." He is also survived by many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his two older brothers: Dominick and Thomas Mecozzi, and his five loving sisters: Philomenia Ziem, Hilda Peburn, Josephine Keeler, Rose Strout, and Eleanor (Dolly) Gay.

Al enlisted in the Army on November 15th, 1943, and was assigned to U.S. Army 90th Division Infantry. On June 8th, 1944, he landed on Utah Beach in France on D-Day + 2 and moved inland with his Company. Al and his Company became surrounded and held the Germans off for several days before being wounded and taken prisoner. After several months as a German POW, Allied Forces were able to free him.

During that time his family was notified that he was missing in action and presumed dead. A Memorial Mass was then held. When he was finally freed and able to telephone home, his family and friends were elated.

He was employed as a Rural Letter Carrier in Georgetown for 30 years. After his retirement from the post office, he worked at Silvermine Golf Course, in Norwalk, CT, for many years. He devoted many hours to volunteer work, including serving as the President of the Connecticut Rural Letter Carriers Association, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Organization, American Legion, and the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department (serving as Fire Chief from 1970-1971). He also volunteered as a "greeter" at the Wilton YMCA in his late 80's and early 90's.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Al will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart, his wonderful sense of humor, and his gifted gardening and masonry skills. He took great pride in tending his garden and enjoyed sharing his abundant amount of vegetables with family and friends.

Calling hours will be on Friday, March 17th 2017, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Bouton Funeral Home 31 West Church Street in Georgetown, CT. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday, March 18th 2017, at 11:00 AM in the Sacred Heart Church, 30 Church Street, in Georgetown, CT. Private burial will be held at a later date in St .Mary's Cemetery in Ridgefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Sacred Heart Parish, P.O. Box 388, Georgetown, CT, 06829-0388, or Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County, P.O. Box 489, Wilton, CT, 06897.