Obituary: Carl Nicholas Gagliardi, 73, of Branford

Information via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Carl Nicholas Gagliardi, 73, of Branford, CT passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 6, 2016 after a long illness.

Born in New Haven, CT, to James and Emma Criscuolo Gagliardi, he graduated from St. Mary's High School where he played on the baseball and basketball teams.

After graduating from Providence College in 1965 with a degree in economics, he received a master's degree in economics from Northeastern University.A member of the ROTC at Providence College, he served in the Army for two years, was a veteran of the Vietnam War and received the Bronze Star for his service.

After his service in the military, he had a 35 year career at Southern New England Telephone.He had many interests, including building furniture and clocks, gardening, collecting and restoring model trains, and photography.

He also loved playing, coaching and watching tennis. He played countless hours with his friends, wife and two sons. Many of his lifelong friends were developed through the sport. After his retirement in 2004, he continued playing tournaments, achieving a national ranking in the 60 and over category.

He frequently volunteered his time to help the Branford High School tennis team and other organizations around New Haven. He was a member of the St. Mary's High School reunion committee for the class of 1961, continuing his friendships with many of his high school classmates. He enjoyed traveling with his family to various National Parks, Cape Cod, Florida, Washington, DC and Italy.

He was a big fan of Providence Friars basketball, watching and attending many games. Carl was a husband, father, brother, uncle and friend who had a great sense of humor and who was always there for you.Carl is survived by his wife of 47 years, Donna; sons Mike (Liz) of Natick, MA and Paul (Julie) of Branford CT; brother Francis of Plainville, CT; grandchildren Christopher, Charlotte, Luke and Lily; niece Sarah; nephew Brian; brother-in-law Kevin Dedrick and many other family and friends.Carl's family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who have been with us over the years.

In addition, they would like to thank the staff at Connecticut Hospice.Funeral from the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home 244 North Main Street, Branford, Tuesday morning at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian burial in St. Therese Church at 10:00. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Friends may call Monday from 5 – 8 PM.