Obituary of Costanzo Procaccini

Costanzo “Chris” Procaccini, 89, World War II veteran and hero died on Wednesday, December 12, 2007 at Bradley Memorial Hospital in Southington, CT after a valiant battle with cancer. During his convalescence, he was cared for by his wife, his daughters, his sons-in-law, and especially his granddaughter, Carina Luca. Chris was born in Darien, CT on March 7, 1918, the son of Luigi and Carolina Procaccini. His parents were born in Foggi, Italy and immigrated to Darien, CT in 1914. He was a life time resident of Darien and a life time member of both the Darien V.F.W. and the Darien Piedmont Club. Tech. Sergeant Costanzo Procaccini was among the first group of Connecticut soldiers to leave for the World War II European Campaign. He was a proud member of the 9th U.S. Army Air Force, 101 Division, 819th Aviation Engineers. Procaccini landed at Normandy Beach on D-Day in France where he fought to defend our freedom. He was stationed both in England, France and Germany. Procaccini fought valiantly at the Battle of the Bulge where 94, 000 Americans were injured and 19, 000 Americans were killed. He was stationed both in England, France and Germany. He was part of the rebuilding force in Berlin after World War II. He was decorated for his efforts. Prior to the war, he worked as a copper cutter at Stamford Rolling Mills. Immediately after the war, he worked as a press operator at Fairfield Plastics. Then, Procaccini worked as a Mason Contractor for 53 years. His masonry artistry has enhanced and beautified properties in Darien, Stamford, Greenwich and New Canaan. Chris had a talent for making stone walls without mortar. He enjoyed terracing areas, and creating man-made waterfalls. Chris was passionate about life. His greatest loves were his family, good friends, laughter, golf, a hearty meal, playing his harmonica, WWE Wrestling, and sharing a great story. He was an avid golfer who, in 1937, won the Fairfield County Caddy’s Championship. Costanzo Procaccini was one of ten children. He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph, Charles, Frank and Luciano and his sisters, Maria and Santina Procaccini. He is survived by his brothers, Angelo of Darien; Louis, Jr. of Darien; and John of Southport, CT; and his sister, Susan Wilson of Springdale, CT; and numerous nephews and nieces. Chris is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jennie V. (Coppola-Copley) Procaccini of Darien, CT; his two daughters, Linda S. M. dos Santos and her husband, Angelo of Cromwell, CT; and Patricia Ann Mary Garvey and her husband, John “Jay” of Southington and Mystic, CT; his five grandchildren, Angel Santos-Burres and her husband, Bradley of Waltham, MA; and Jennyann E. dos Santos of Cromwell, CT and Waltham, MA; and April Dawn Lucas and Christopher Frederick Lucas of Los Angelos, CA; and Carina Luca of Southington, CT and Chicago, IL; and one great grandchild, Nathan Tyler Burres. Procaccini’s family will receive friend at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT (203-655-6127) on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 12 (Noon) at Saint Thomas More Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien, CT, where at 82 years old Procaccini built his last stone walls along with the assistance of his grandson Christopher Luca. Father Furey will officiate. The Graveside Military Service at Woodland Cemetery in Stamford will immediately follow Mass. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820