Former bowling alley sold to Mauro family

WALLINGFORD — A family-owned real estate investment group headed by the owner of two North Haven luxury car dealerships has purchased a former bowling alley at 600 South Colony Road for $935,000, according to officials with the two real estate firms that brokered the deal.

The deal between Porto Realty and North Havenbased Mauro Associates closed at the end of last month, according to Steve Miller, a principal and broker in the Woodbridgebased commercial real estate firm Levey Miller Maretz, which represented the buyer.

The deal included the 29,189-square-foot bowling alley and 2.1 acres of land.

Michael Mauro, who owns BMW and Mercedes Benz dealerships on Washington Avenue in North Haven as well as an auto body shop, is a general partner in Mauro Associates. He was not available for comment on the deal, but Miller said the family is still determining what it wants to do with the property.

“I think they are still up in the air,” Miller said. “They are doing some exploratory work right now.”

The bowling alley closed in 2018.

Although the name Mauro is most associated with car dealerships in the area, the family business also invests in different types of real estate, according to Miller. Michael Mauro is listed as the owner of an 83,000-square-foot building at 425 South Cherry St. in Wallingford that is currently an Amazon distribution center.

The former bowling alley, which was built in 1960, was leased by recreation equipment maker AMF. Kevin Geenty, vice president of the Branford-based Geenty Group, said the property has flexible zoning. The Geenty Group represented the seller.

“About the only thing you can’t do with the property is residential,” Geenty said.

Mauro Associates was not the first business to show an interest in the property, he said.

It had been on the market for nine years, Geenty said. “It was going to be a three-story self-storage business and was under contract for three months.”

Tim Ryan, Wallingford’s economic development specialist, said interest in South Colony Road commercial corridor has improved in recent years.

Ryan credits the German company Allnex, which makes industrial coating resins and additives, for leading an environmental clean up of the town’s south end.

The company has a factory on South Cherry Street. Allnex was created in 2013 after Advent International bought the resins business unit as part of a divestiture from Cytec Industries.

“Allnex has done so many things to improve their environmental impact,” Ryan said. “It has enabled property owners to better market the area.

They have made the South Colony area developable again.”

Eleanor Jane Burkhardt, 97, of Branford passed away peacefully at home on March 5th, 2021. Jane was a lifelong resident of Branford and graduated from Branford High School in 1941. She was predeceased by her first husband Thomas H. Marsland. They travelled extensively with the Navy, living in Trinidad, Turkey and California until he retired in 1957 and they moved back to Branford. Jane worked as an administrative assistant at the Branford High School library for many years. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years Robert O. Burkhardt, her sons, William Marsland (Lawrence DesBiens) and Michael Marsland, her beloved granddaughter Sarah Marsland and Sarah’s mother Katherine Marsland, all of Branford, and by her brother Paul Burkhardt (Meredith) of Key West, FL. In addition, she is survived by her nephews Cristian Burkhardt of Branford, and Richard Burkhardt of Kingwood, TX, and by her nieces Priscilla (Patrick) Carr of Parkland, FL, and Dawn Burkhardt of Branford and their families. All who knew Jane were touched by her good heart and effortless kindness, her optimism and her concern and care for others. She was a gentle soul. Arrangements will be private. Those who wish to can make memorial donations to Friends of the Blackstone Library or to Connecticut Hospice. Please see her online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.

Kenneth R. Viele Sr., age 88, of West Haven passed away peacefully on March 6, 2021. For 52 years, he was the loving husband of the late Rosalie Vanacore Viele. Ken was born in New Haven, son of the late John and Ethel Richards Viele. He is survived by his devoted sons, Kenneth Viele Jr. (RET BFD) and his wife Christine of Naugatuck, Stephan Viele (DET WHPD) and his wife Robin of Northford and Eric Viele and his wife Michele of Watertown. He was known as “Poppy” by his adoring grandchildren, Sarah, Gianna, Brittany, Marina, Samantha and Ethan Viele, Connor, Nate and Gavin Garbrecht. Ken is survived by his sisters Joan Francis of FL and Dorothy Gilbert of VT. Ken was predeceased by his siblings Beatrice Lequin, John and William Viele. Ken was a proud US Army Veteran, having served during the Korean War. Prior to his retirement, he was the owner/operator of Acuwind Electric, providing sales and service of electric motors and generators. Ken was a talented woodworker, creating many beautiful and interesting pieces including gifts for his grandchildren and even a stunning grandfather clock. Clever and resourceful since childhood, Ken could seemingly build or fix anything and proudly passed this talent along to his three sons. He greatly enjoyed the sport of archery and was a Master Bowman with the Milford Bow Hunters Club for many years. Boating, kayaking with his wife Rosalie and trips to the beach with his grandchildren were among his loves. Ken and Rosalie looked forward to spending winters at their condominium in Delray Beach, Florida, enjoying the sunshine and activities with their snowbird friends. Ken was known as a selfless, modest and humble man, always willing to lend a hand or tell a silly joke. His devotion to his family was unmatched, and in business he was well-liked and respected by his customers. His gentle smile and easy-going demeanor will be missed, while the sound of him humming a happy tune will forever remain in the memories of friends and family.

Due to Covid 19, all funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LiveWell at www.livewell.org/donate or The Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org. West Haven Funeral Home at the Green in care of arrangements. To leave an online condolence, please visit our website at