Obituary of Anthony R. Ferrigno

Anthony R. Ferrigno, age 89, of Newtown, husband of Alice Kohut Ferrigno, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 28, 2018.

Additionally, Tony will be remembered by his family, Anthony Ferrigno II, his wife, Eileen and daughters, Alanna and Julianna, of Stratford, Rock Ferrigno MD, his wife, Abbi and daughter, Isabella, of Newtown, his brother Robert Ferrigno and his wife, Grace, of Trumbull, and his sister, Mattia Henley-Zwirz, of Vero Beach, FL., his beloved nieces and nephews, Richard Ambrum, of Vero Beach, Ronald Imbimbo, of Windsor, Nadine Howard, of Shelton, Anthony Imbimbo, of San Diego, CA., Carrie Ferrigno, of Trumbull, and Marissa Ferrigno, of Monroe. Alice Kohut Ferrigno children; Richard Cellar, of Fairfield, Ruth Cellar Salce, of Fairfield, Robert Cellar, of Trumbull, Rebecca Lanier, and her husband Joseph, of Oxford; grandchildren, Richard, Stephen, and Michael Cellar, Anthony III, Arleigh, and Amy Salce, Peter and William Lanier. He was predeceased by his sister, Maria Imbimbo of Shelton.

Born and raised in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Rocco and Jennie Rega Ferrigno. A resident of Fairfield, Tony moved to Newtown 20 years ago. He was a graduate of Bordentown Military Institute and the University of Connecticut, where he earned his Bachelor in Science for Horticulture, served as the captain on the Varsity football team, and successfully completed the ROTC program. Declining a draft offer from the Philadelphia Eagles Football team, Tony proudly served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After serving his country, Tony founded Treeland Garden Center & Nursery in Bridgeport, and later, established the real estate development entity, Griswold Mall Associates.

Tony possessed a strong work ethic and insisted that those who worked with him have the same. Believing in the importance of giving back to his community, he willingly shared his time and business knowledge when serving on the Bridgeport Park Commission and as a longtime director for the Southwest Connecticut Better Business Bureau.

A lifetime member of Fayerweather Yacht Club and former member of Black Rock Yacht Club, Tony was a talented sailor and loved competitive sailboat racing. He enjoyed years of success with his seasoned crew campaigning his boats all named "Secret" in the many Long Island Sound and Newport yachting regattas.

Throughout the entirety of his life, Anthony remained business focused, but he was additionally very engaged in following the progress and achievements of his grandchildren, whom he was very proud of. A devout Catholic, Tony truly cared for his family and friends, and had a very strong affection for animals. His memory will be embraced by those whom he touched throughout his fruitful life.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-8 PM in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 11 AM directly at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, Trumbull. Interment with full military honor will immediately follow in St. Michael's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to: The Bridgeport Animal Shelter 236 Evergreen Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606. To order flowers online, for travel directions, or to sign his guest register, please visit www.LeskoPolkeFuneralHome.com.