Salvatore A. Bongiorno Jr.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father Salvatore A. Bongiorno Jr. of Portland. He peacefully passed away on March 18, 2024, at the age of 95 with his family at his side. He was born on August 4, 1928 in Middletown, CT one of twelve children of the late Salvatore and Filomena (De Paolo) Bongiorno.

He leaves behind his children Salvatore “Paul” Bongiorno of Portland, Bill and wife (MaryAnn) Bongiorno of Madison, Susan (Bongiorno) Frizen of Portland, grandson Joseph Lastrina III, great-granddaughter Emma Lastrina, brother Angelo Bongiorno of Middletown, fourteen nieces and nephews along with their families, Beth (Allen) Katz of Weston, FL and Heidi Geiges of Madison, IN.

He was predeceased by his parents Salvatore and Filomena (De Paolo) Bongiorno of Ferry Street. His siblings Frank (Anna) Bongiorno, Philip ( Josephine) Bongiorno, Joseph (Ruth) Bongiorno, Sebastiano Bongiorno, Sebastian “Mike” (Rose) Bongiorno, Yolanda Bongiorno, Emanuela Bongiorno, Marie Bongiorno, Emanuela “Nellie” (Paul) Blancato, and Vincenza “Jennie” (Salvatore) Thomas, sister-in law Ann (Lisitano) Bongiorno. In addition grandson Andrew Frizen, nephew Michael Bongiorno, and longtime companion Myrna Geiges.

Salvatore’s parents arrived in America from Melilli, Sicily, Italy in 1906. He was born and lived on Ferry Street, attended Middletown Schools and graduated from Middletown High School in 1948. In1950 he was drafted into the US Army. His tour in the Army brought him to Germany, France, and Italy during peace time. He drove Generals and Dignitaries around the region visiting all the famous landmarks. After returning from Europe he began his career as a carpenter and married Doris Randall, together they had three children. In 1966 the family moved to the home he built in Portland where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was a member of St. Sebastian’s Church as well as the Church of St. Mary in Portland. He was a member of the Middletown Knights of Columbus Forest City Council No. 3, Middletown Elks Lodge #771, CT Carpenter’s Union Local, American Legion Post 0075, and served on the Democratic Town Committee of Portland.

Salvatore was blessed with living a long and productive life. In his younger days he played golf, pool and other sports. He cherished his family and friends spending weekends with his siblings and in-laws playing cards. With his longtime companion Myrna he saw all the latest movies, Broadway shows and concerts. After retiring they traveled throughout the country and spent winters in Florida. But most of all he loved spending time at home with his family.

A Funeral Liturgy officiated by Rev. John Antonelle and Rev. James Thaikoottahil will be held Monday, March 25th at Noon, at Saint Sebastian Church, 155 Washington Street, Middletown. Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver Street, Middletown prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be held at Saint Sebastian Cemetery following the funeral mass. Memorial contributions may be sent to Saint Sebastian Church. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www. biegafuneralhome.com