Obituary of Louis Bolognini

Louis Bolognini, age 95, of Whitestone, NY (currently of Southport, CT), beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

Louis was born in 1928 in Bari, Italy to the late Vincenzo and Caterina Bolognini. He and his family came to the US when he was 8 years old, and made their home in Queens, New York. Louis and his wife, Dolores, put roots down in Whitestone, NY where they raised their family and spent the majority of their years building an amazing life surrounded by family and friends. Whether it was just for a cup of coffee, a meal or their famous Christmas Eve open house, everyone was always welcome.

Louis served proudly in the Unites States Army as a Corporal under the 8th Army with the 304th Signal Battalion in Seoul, South Korea. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, W/I Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, Merit Unit Commendation and the United Nations Service Medal.

He was honorably discharged in 1954 and while his family couldn’t afford college, Louis took every technology course and training session that he could, and excelled in the field of electronics, math, and technology. He was a graduate of the R.C.A Institute.

It was at his first job for R.E.L. (Radio Engineering Labs) that he met the love of his life, Dolores, on his first day back from serving in the Korean War.  On a whim, he asked Dolores out to a New Years Eve party and she said yes, a moment he would recall as the best day of his life to everyone who would listen up to his dying day. He would go on to say that he and his four buddies all married their dates from that New Years Eve dance.

In 1959, Louis went to work for the Bulova Watch company as a production manager for the Crystal Oscillator Department where he worked for 21 years.  He was particularly proud to be a part of a company that developed multiple wartime initiatives and helped aid physically disabled war veterans. His work there formed a lifelong love of the brand.

In 1980, he returned to government service with the U.S. Department of Defense where he became a Supervisory Quality Assurance Specialist. It was from this job that he retired and was awarded the Defense Logistic Agency Distinguished Career Service award.

Louis will be remembered for his undying love for his wife, Dolores, his love of family, food (particularly broccoli rabe), music (classical and opera), the violin, Long Boat Key, Florida, his uncompromising precision and accuracy, and all things New York Yankees!

Louis’ memory will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Dolores, and their children, son, Philip, of Southport, CT; daughter, Catherine Chelstowski (Ray) also of Southport; daughter-in-law, Marcia Bolognini, of Flanders, NJ; and grandchildren, Nicole McMillan (Steve), Dan Bolognini (Marisa), James and Danielle Bolognini, Jack, and Sophia Chelstowski. Louis is also survived by his sister, Rose Nardulli; and his brother, Dominic Bolognini; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Louis was predeceased by his oldest son, Vincent; and his sisters, Mary Zambrotto and Grace D’A’more.  

Friends and family are invited to attend a wake on Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road , in Fairfield Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 South Pine Creek Road in Fairfield, CT. Full Military Honors will be observed immediately following the Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tunnels To Towers. https://t2t.org/donate/ in memory of Louis.