Obituary: Mario L. Vagnini

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Mario Vagnini

Mr. Mario L. Vagnini, 88, of 25 Vagnini Drive Naugatuck, died Wednesday November 10, 2010 at Waterbury Hospital in the presence of his loving family. He was the widower of Marie (Cavallo) Vagnini who died October 25, 2002 after 54 years of marriage.

Mario was born in Thornton, RI on June 17, 1922, son of the late Alfred and Barbara (Candelora) Vagnini. He moved to Waterbury as a toddler and to Naugatuck when he was 13 years old. He attended Naugatuck High School for two years and graduated from Bridgeport Trade School as a mold maker. He was a US Navy Veteran of WW II who served in the South Pacific, South America, Australia, and Hawaii. He was co-owner of Superior Plastics of Waterbury for 18 years until his retirement in 1987. He was a professional musician and singer who was the leader of several bands including “ The Rodeo Ramblers” and “ The Mario Vagnini Orchestra” as well a freelance musician for many years. Locally, he was known as the “Perry Como of Waterbury”. He appeared on the television shows “The Arthur Godfrey Show” and “The Ted Mack Amateur Hour” when he was in his thirties.

He was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians Union Local 186, as well as a member of the Kollege Kapers, Top Hatters, Sons of Italy, American Legion, Cristoforo Columbo Society of Naugatuck, Unico Club, Knights of Columbus of Naugatuck, Italian Heritage, and the Naugatuck Elks Club.

He leaves a son, Alfred M. Vagnini of Middlebury; three daughters, Lyn Marie Vagnini-Thorp of Waterbury, Trish Torello and Marianna Vagnini-Dadamo and her husband Anthony all of Naugatuck; six grandchildren, Dr. Rachel Torello of Hamden, Joseph M. Torello of NYC, Angelene Vagnini-Thorp of Waterbury, Christopher Vagnini, Vincent and Sofia Dadamo all of Naugatuck; and several nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Aldo Vagnini and Oddo Vagnini, and a sister, Ida Famularo are deceased.

Arrangements: Funeral was held Tuesday , November 16th at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home 430 Chase Parkway to St. Francis of Assisi Church Naugatuck for a mass.. Burial was held with full military honors at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at: ASPCA Tributes, 520 8th Ave., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018