Nicholas Mastrangelo, 85

Nicholas J. Mastrangelo, of Orange passed away with his family by his side on Friday, October 26, 2012 after a long illness.

He was born in New Haven on September 17, 1927, the son of the late Joseph and Laura Speratore Mastrangelo. He was the brother of the late Nicholas, Joseph and Gerald Mastrangelo and Rose Middlebrook.

Nick was drafted into the Army in 1945 and was stationed at Keesler, Langley and Barksdale Field then was discharged with the rank of Sargent. He graduated in 1948 from the Ct. School of Electronics and then owned and operated "Nick's TV" for 35 years.

He worked in Norden's where he tested Air Force bombing components and Singer Electronics where he tested underwater detection units. Following his retirement, Nick enjoyed working for Winkle Bus for 17 years and then found great pleasure as the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor at World Gym and Planet Fitness in Branford and Hamden where he worked until he was 80 years old.

Nick is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Julia DiNello Mastrangelo and his devoted children, Elissa Marcucci-Mastrangelo and her husband Frank of East Haven, Gina Simko and her husband David of Hamden, Gerald (Jerry) Mastrangelo and Jennifer Verraneault of East Haven, and Nicholas Mastrangelo and his wife Patricia of Orange.

Nick leaves his cherished grandchildren, Taylor and Morgan Simko, Rachael and Nicholas Mastrangelo, Carly, Anthony, and Chris Mastrangelo and step grandchildren Kirsten and Alec Marcucci.

Nick was honored to have served his country and often told stories, especially to his grandkids, about his experiences. Being proud of his Italian culture, he was passionate about his family and always found a tremendous comfort when surrounded by them. His true legacy will be the strength he carried over the past five years with his many health struggles. The family wishes to sincerely thank the exceptional care that his "buddy" provided him.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 830 Jones Hill Rd., West Haven Friday morning at 9:15. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Holy Infant Church at 10:00. Interment will follow in Orange Center Cemetery. Friends may call THURSDAY from 5:00-8:00 PM.

In Nick's memory, donations may be sent to the Paralyzed Veterans of America at 7 Mill Brook Road, Wilton, NH 03086-0921.

Sign Nick's guestbook online at www.portofuneralhomes.net