Attilio M. Regolo

Attilio was born Sept. 16, 1932, in Salve, Italy to Cosima Romano and Angelo Regolo. The oldest of nine children, he grew up in Brindisi and endured the trials of World War II. After attending school, he joined the Italian Navy where he became an expert at sonar and communications. He was commissioned as part of an elite crew and came to America, aboard the Andrea Doria. The crews later returned two submarines to Italy.

While stationed at the Groton Naval Base, Attilio met and would marry Frances Tamborra of Norwich. Together they would raise their six children.

He was an accomplished chef and opened and operated Art’s Diner in Norwich for many years. His jobs included head chef at the Narragansett Inn in Westerly, R.I. and manager and permittee of Crozier Williams Center at Connecticut College where he retired after 20 years. His passions included cooking, teaching, traveling, swimming and golf.

He is predeceased by his wife, Frances Regolo of Norwich; his parents; sisters, Enza and Anna Maria; and his brother, Franco, all from Italy. He is survived by his wife, Regina Annino Regolo. He leaves behind his six children: Loredana (Peter) Musser, Gina (Peter) Rekstis and Angela Celico of Westerly, R.I., along with Nanci (John) Fusaro III of Norwich, Julie Rodriguez of Stonington, and his son, Attilio Regolo Jr. of Wakefield, R.I. Attilio is also survived by his 16 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A man of great faith and love of family, he was deeply loved and will forever be remembered in our hearts.

Calling hours will be held between the hours of 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13, at Swan’s Funeral Home in Old Saybrook. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Norwich.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be sent to the St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich.