Robert O. Colangelo

Robert “Papa Bob” Colangelo passed peacefully with family by his side on Monday, November 17th. He was born to Italian American parents Orlando “Lonz” and Michaelina (Fastiggi) Colangelo on February 11, 1941 in Hartford, CT. Bob grew up on New Britain Avenue, and throughout the years consistently recounted the joyful memories, hilarious stories and tales of camaraderie from all the wonderful years at 104 New Britain Avenue. Bob’s knack for storytelling made the simplicity of hanging out on a street corner with friends feel like an exciting epoch. He married his high school sweetheart, Joanne (Ambrogio) Colangelo to whom he was happily married for 66 years.

Bob had an unwavering commitment to learning and devoted so much of his life to education. He attended both St Anselm’s College and Central Connecticut State College for his Bachelor’s and later the University of Hartford and Trinity College for graduate degrees. He was a hard worker with an incredible ability to make time for everything he held dear. He was a proud employee of Combustion Engineering as a chemist working on nuclear submarines, and then a dedicated science teacher for 33 years at Bulkeley High School in Hartford.

Bob was a true entrepreneur. His ingenuity coupled with Joanne’s business sense led them to run their own successful businesses – Franklin Package Store and later Max Bibo’s Delicatessens, which they ran for over 38 years collectively in Hartford.

In retirement, Bob spent endless hours researching and writing his true crime novel The Adam Hat Murder that was published in 2017. He also went on several trips and spent quality time with beloved family and friends, usually over a delicious meal. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love and support, ingenuity and quick wit, hard work and quiet generosity. Memories of him are filled with so much laughter and silliness, warmth, camaraderie.

He is survived by and will be missed dearly by his wife Joanne, his daughter Cari Colangelo of Rocky Hill, his son and daughter-in-law Robert and Karen Colangelo of Wethersfield, his two granddaughters and great-grandson: Julie Ward and her husband Tom and their son Cameron of Wallingford; Lindsey Colangelo and her husband John Eicher of Brooklyn, NY. He also leaves behind his sister Diane Senew of Thomaston and many other family and friends.

Calling hours are Sunday, November 23 from 2 - 5pm at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield.

Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 24th at the funeral chapel. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Josephine Bakhita Parish (St. James Church), 767 Elm Street, Rocky Hill. Services will conclude after Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Shriners.