Emil 'mel' Joseph Bernabeo

Emil 'Mel' Joseph Bernabeo, 86 of South Windsor, formerly of Wethersfield, loving husband of the late Mary (Johnson) Bernabeo for over 51 years, peacefully entered into eternal life on Friday (February 15, 2008), at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Hartford on July 24, 1921, a son of the late Federico and Filomena (Lucente) Bernabeo, he had resided in Wethersfield for over 50 years prior to moving to South Windsor in 2003. 'Mel' was a graduate of Bulkeley High School, Hartford and the University of Connecticut. He was also a very proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Prior to his retirement in 1983, 'Mel' was employed for over 35 years by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft, East Hartford. After his retirement from Pratt & Whitney he worked as a courier and clerk for the Mayo, Gilligan, and Zito Law Firm in Wethersfield. 'Mel' was an avid gardener who was known for the large tomatoes he grew, along with being a loyal and devoted fan of the UCONN Men's basketball teams. Most of all, 'Mel' was a family man who especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. 'Mel' leaves his caring daughter Margaret Wolff and her husband Peter of South Windsor; two adored grandchildren, Marissa Wolff and Jared Wolff both of South Windsor; two nephews, Rick Bernabeo and his wife, Martha of Tolland, David Bernabeo and his wife, Linda of West Hartford; two nieces, Marilyn Gilson and her husband, John of West Hartford, Valerie MacHardy and her husband, Jim of West Hartford. Funeral service will be Friday February 22 at 10 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 AM in Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Burial will be at Rose Hill Memorial Park, Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel TODAY from 7 - 9 p.m. Memorial contributions in Emil's memory may be made to the American Lung Association, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT, 06108. For any on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.