Obituary: Fred Fugazzi, 72, of Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT - (From Cody-White Funeral Home) Fred Fugazzi, 72, of Middletown, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2022 with his family by his side. Born on September 14, 1949 in Bridgeport he was the son of the late Fred and Mabel (Lamb) Fugazzi.

Fred attended Rodger Ludlowe High school in Fairfield and was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a warehouse manager for several large companies in Connecticut including Associated Foods and Allied grocers.

During his time there, he initiated many volunteer organizations including putting together meals for troops and their families affected by the Persian Gulf War and Help for the Hungry and Homeless.

Upon relocating to Florida, he had the opportunity to help implement designs for Sportacular Art and continued his work in the warehouse industry until retirement.

Before his career in warehouse management Fred owned the Buttonball Bar and Grill in Fairfield. It quickly became a popular friendly establishment, which he proudly referred to as having a “Cheers” environment.

During that time, he put together a pool team and entered them into the park city pool league. He also sponsored two softball and one bowling league. Fred was an avid golfer and enjoyed every aspect of the sport.

He loved to read, there wasn’t a day that passed that he didn’t have a book in his hand. This evolved into Facebook where he loved posting pictures and memes and reminiscing about Fairfield over the years and chatting with others about “the good old days”.

Above all else, Fred enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a proud papa to all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved conversing with them. He was an animal lover and loved having rescue pets as part of his extended family especially his beloved cat Persia.

Fred is survived by his son Jeffrey (Maria) Fugazzi of Danielson, daughter Michelle Fugazzi of Naugatuck, nine grandchildren; Isabella, Helena, Jeffrey Jr, and Zigmon Fugazzi and Olivia (Gavin), Gabrielle, Victoria, Kevin Jr and Riley Gavin, two great-grandchildren Alaynna Maldonado and Jameson Negron-Gavin, his brother Robert Stratford, sisters Helen (Robert) Hine, Charlotte (Tom) Rebeschi, many nieces nephews and cousins, as well as a host of friends including Joey Mendez.

He is predeceased by his parents Fred and Mabel Fugazzi his brother Edward Stratford and sister Jean Winn. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the organization of choice.

Friends and family may gather on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 BROAD STREET, MILFORD, CT.

An interment will take place at Kings Highway Cemetery located at 271 Cherry Street, Milford, CT.