Obituaries

Pietro Bracciale

March 3, 2022

Burial Date March 8, 2022

Pietro Bracciale
Waterford — Pietro Bracciale, 90, passed away March 3, 2022, at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, surrounded by his loving family. Pietro was born in Montescaglioso, Matera, Italy Jan. 27, 1932, to Rocco and Anna (Andrisani) Bracciale. He married the former Maria Gallipoli Dec. 28, 1974, in Metaponto, Matera, Italy. ?In 1976, the couple moved from Italy to Waterford, with their infant daughter Anna. One year later, they welcomed a son, Rocco. While working on his family farm, Pietro studied music and carpentry. He worked for many years as a carpenter in Italy, and France. Upon his arrival to the United States, he was employed at Dart and Bogue in Quaker Hill, then at Beard Lumber in Old Saybrook, where he ran the door shop. He took pride in his work and had strict rules for those who entered his workshop. He also maintained a small vegetable and flower garden at the yard which he was very proud of. He enjoyed his job at Beard Lumber until his retirement at the age of 77. In addition, he ran a small, independent carpentry business with a few friends.?When Pietro was not at the lumber yard, he was working at his home at 34 Strosberg Road. It was here he added a two-car garage and second story with his own hands. He proudly maintained a large, bountiful garden. Wine-making in September was a tradition he shared with his son. Friends and neighbors often enjoyed the fruits of his labor. Pietro had a love for Italian Opera and was known for serenading his wife and children with his strong, beautiful voice, every Sunday before church. Fond memories also include his weekly meetings at Shop Rite in New London, with Joe Cacciatore and Sal Maiolo, as well as watching Uconn women’s basketball with his wife, Maria. Pietro was also a member of the Societa Dante Alighieri in New London.?“Nonno” is survived by his wife of 47years, Maria Bracciale; daughter Anna Sheridan and son-in-law Tosh; son Rocco Bracciale and daughter-in-law Jennifer (Antonino) with whom he resided; and six grandchildren: Luca and Rocco Sheridan, and John, Jamison, Antonina, and Brady Wenc. Pietro also leaves behind a sister, Rosaria Suscella of New London; and brother Giuseppe Bracciale of Montescaglioso, Matera, Italy; along with many nieces and nephews. He also treasured his local Italian friends whom he considered family. He was predeceased by his sisters, Grazziella and Maria; and brother Vincenzo. A special mention must go to his friend Stella, the family bulldog, who now takes his seat on the couch.?The Bracciale Family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Yale’s Lawrence + Memorial Hospital and Masonicare Home Health and Hospice who made Pietro’s transition very peaceful not only for him, but for our family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Waterford Community Food Bank, 200 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385. ?His family will receive relatives and friends on Monday rom 5 to 7 pm at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Avenue, New London. The funeral will assemble at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 8, at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church. Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery, New London.