Henry Paul Gionfriddo

Henry Paul Gionfriddo, 82, of West Hartford, Connecticut and Marco Island Florida, died peacefully Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Hartford Hospital, following a long cardiac illness. Henry was a longtime owner of Jimmie’s Package Store on Franklin Avenue in Harford, and was considered “Il Patrone” of the Avenue. He acted as an ambassador of good will, befriended many through his contacts, and helped a great many people of humble as well as comfortable means. He loved interacting with strangers and friends alike and treated everyone as equals, whatever their station in life. He was a natural at making friends, both in Connecticut and Florida and drew many people to him because of his quick wit and delightful humor. He was a graduate of Weaver High School, Class of 1948. A devout Catholic, he was a long-standing member of the Church of St. Peter Claver Church. He was a charter member and Chairman of the Connecticut State Properties Review Board from 1975 to 1990 and as such became very involved in state and national politics – having had the honor of attending a State Dinner at the Carter White House and participating in the first of Rosalyn Carter’s “Friendship Force” travel exchanges. As part of the program, Henry and Elaine visited Israel. He was a former Field Representative for the late William F. Cotter, U.S. House of Representatives. He loved playing Bocce with his friends in Marco Island, a place they called “paradise”, and joined the Italian-American Society of Marco Island. He loved connecting there with people of like cultural roots. Summers spent at his cottage at Knollwood Beach in Old Saybrook gave him a great deal of pleasure, as did winter vacations in Jamaica. He was a former member of the Hartford Chapter of UNICO National, a philanthropic businessmen’s organization, and a former member of the Avon Country Club, as well as the Franklin Avenue Merchant’s Association. He was presently a member of the Canicattinese Society and the Italian-American Society of Marco Island, FL. He leaves his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Elaine Jane Maselli Gionfriddo. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Mrs. Patricia Gionfriddo (Dr. Joseph Robert), his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mrs. Jeanette DiGalbo and Mr. Daniel DiGalbo, his sister-in-law, Mrs. Irene Maselli (Raymond). He is also survived by his nieces; Mrs. June Welwood (Arthur), Mrs. Paula Marubbio (Joseph), Mrs. Elaine Disabella (James), Mrs. Joan DiGalbo-Conlon (Michael), Mrs. Jane Frenchik (James) and his nephews, Dr. Robert Gionfriddo and Officer Paul Gionfriddo. He is also survived by his grandnieces; Mrs. Katie Chien (Michael), Mrs. Caroline Franks (Rodney), Ms. Samantha Disabella and Ms. Lindsey Disabella, and grandnephew Mr. Matthew Manuele, and Godchild Ms. Vanessa Gulino and great-niece Molly Kuo Chien and great-nephew James Michael Chien.

His nieces and nephews loved him – considered him like a father – for his gentle wisdom and loving heart. He is predeceased by his parents, Paolo and Angelina Sapia Gionfriddo,, his brothers, Mr. Michael Gionfriddo and Dr. Joseph Gionfriddo, his sisters, Mrs. Rose Tisdale, Mrs. Molly Sapia and Ms. Angela Gionfriddo, his mother-in-law and father – in-law, Margaret and Domenic Maselli, and his two brothers – in – law, Richard and Raymond Maselli.

Calling hours will be Sunday, August 12, 2012, from 3-6 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield. The funeral will be Monday, August 13, 2012 beginning at 10 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant St., West Hartford. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to the Henry Low Heart Center or the Harry and Helen Gray Cancer Center, Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour St., Hartford, CT. 06102. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Bona Notte, Don Henry! For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com