George Bongiorno
January 18, 1930 — March 13, 2016
George Bongiorno, 86, a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 13, 2016. He was born in Stamford on January 18, 1930 to the late John and Rose Borchetta Bongiorno.
George was a veteran of the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the U. S. aircraft carrier, the Franklin D. Roosevelt. While deployed in the Mediterranean, George was asked to interpret for a visit with the Pope while in Rome. Following his honorable discharge, George returned to his native Stamford and opened the highly successful west side neighborhood supermarket “Bongiornos”. From there, George’s successes continued in many directions with the Bongiorno Gas Island, Car Wash and Bongiorno Maxi Discount Liquors. A keen businessman, he methodically purchased real estate throughout Connecticut. In Stamford his real estate purchases and develoment created large tracts of commercial property south of I-95. His substantial investments and foresight created a thriving commercial hub and attracted numerous businesses to invest in the City of Stamford. George was a generous contributor to many charitable organizations in Stamford, including St. Leo’s Parish and Trinity Catholic High School. The Stamford Police Department bestowed George with the title of Honorary Deputy Chief.
George was an avid horseman, owning Red Barn Stables in North Stamford, which operates the largest indoor riding arena in the state. George also owned ranches in Texas and Arizona and he always considered himself a true cowboy. One of George’s many horses, Doc's Zimfandel, was the number one Quarter Horse in the United States. During George’s retirement, he could often be found at his home, watching his beloved favorite Gunsmoke, and classic western movies starring John Wayne.
George was a charismatic, one of a kind personality, who left a mark on everyone he encountered. He was always willing to lend a hand and share his successes with those in need. He will be missed by all.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marie Palmer Bongiorno, of Stamford, his loving children Bridjay Capone and her husband Joe of Stamford, Michele Nizzardo and her husband Maurice of Stamford, John and Frank Bongiorno, both of Stamford, a sister Beatrice Sapia of Stamford, as well as nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, George was predeceased by his daughter Lynnae Bongiorno, two brothers, Frank and John Bongiorno, and a sister Marie Berry.
The Bongiorno family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Staff at Brighton Gardens for the wonderful care and compassion he received during his stay and to Constellation Hospice as well as to Dr. Angelo Mallozzi and Dr. Michael Nurzia.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford. Interment will be private. There are no calling hours. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Bongiorno family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the Bongiorno family requests that donations be made in George’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hopsital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
George was a veteran of the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the U. S. aircraft carrier, the Franklin D. Roosevelt. While deployed in the Mediterranean, George was asked to interpret for a visit with the Pope while in Rome. Following his honorable discharge, George returned to his native Stamford and opened the highly successful west side neighborhood supermarket “Bongiornos”. From there, George’s successes continued in many directions with the Bongiorno Gas Island, Car Wash and Bongiorno Maxi Discount Liquors. A keen businessman, he methodically purchased real estate throughout Connecticut. In Stamford his real estate purchases and develoment created large tracts of commercial property south of I-95. His substantial investments and foresight created a thriving commercial hub and attracted numerous businesses to invest in the City of Stamford. George was a generous contributor to many charitable organizations in Stamford, including St. Leo’s Parish and Trinity Catholic High School. The Stamford Police Department bestowed George with the title of Honorary Deputy Chief.
George was an avid horseman, owning Red Barn Stables in North Stamford, which operates the largest indoor riding arena in the state. George also owned ranches in Texas and Arizona and he always considered himself a true cowboy. One of George’s many horses, Doc's Zimfandel, was the number one Quarter Horse in the United States. During George’s retirement, he could often be found at his home, watching his beloved favorite Gunsmoke, and classic western movies starring John Wayne.
George was a charismatic, one of a kind personality, who left a mark on everyone he encountered. He was always willing to lend a hand and share his successes with those in need. He will be missed by all.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marie Palmer Bongiorno, of Stamford, his loving children Bridjay Capone and her husband Joe of Stamford, Michele Nizzardo and her husband Maurice of Stamford, John and Frank Bongiorno, both of Stamford, a sister Beatrice Sapia of Stamford, as well as nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, George was predeceased by his daughter Lynnae Bongiorno, two brothers, Frank and John Bongiorno, and a sister Marie Berry.
The Bongiorno family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Staff at Brighton Gardens for the wonderful care and compassion he received during his stay and to Constellation Hospice as well as to Dr. Angelo Mallozzi and Dr. Michael Nurzia.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford. Interment will be private. There are no calling hours. The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Bongiorno family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the Bongiorno family requests that donations be made in George’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hopsital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
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