Obituary: Richard J. Panagrossi, Sr., 82, of Branford

Obituary courtesy of W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home:

Richard J. Panagrossi, Sr., age 82, of Branford passed away unexpectedly at Yale-New Haven Hospital on Friday, November 19, 2021. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut June 24, 1939, a loving son of the late Dominic and Emma Affinito Panagrossi. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Ann Iannuzzi Panagrossi.

Richard is survived by his 3 devoted children: his son, Dr. Richard J. Panagrossi, Jr. and his wife Diana of Branford; his daughter, Carolynn Carrazza and her husband James of Boonton, New Jersey; and his daughter, Joy Duncan and her husband Stephan of Andover, Massachusetts. In addition he leaves his eleven adoring grandchildren: Ana Katherine Panagrossi, Christian Richard Panagrossi, and Elise Meredith Panagrossi, all of Branford; Alisha Barbara McCrudden and her husband Sean, Deanna Renee Carrazza, Jaime Michelle D’Aloia and her husband Nick, Cameron Grace Carrazza — all of New Jersey; Haley Marie Duncan, Stephan Anthony Duncan, Jr., Lea Rose Duncan, and Alexander Domenic Duncan — all of Massachusetts. As well, great-grandchildren Dominic McCrudden and Anthony McCrudden. Richard is also survived by his cherished sister Carol Ann Cipolla and her husband Jack of Guilford, as well as his sister-in-law Adelaide “Dolly” Branchini of Merrimack, New Hampshire. He also leaves his companion, Elaine Simons. He was predeceased by his brother Donald P. Panagrossi.

Richard was raised in New Haven and attended area schools. A graduate of Notre Dame High School—West Haven, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College. He went on to complete two years of law school at Boston University.

In his early youth, he met the true love of his life, Barbara Ann Iannuzzi, whom he married in 1960, and with whom he raised 3 adoring children. Together, he and Barbara created a loving home in Branford. In 1982, this beautiful life was changed forever with the untimely death of Barbara. At this tragic point, Richard assumed the role of single parent to continue to raise their three teenage children. He did this with focus, purpose, and unwavering devotion. Richard was the best dad one could ever imagine.

As his children transitioned from college and professional school to married life and beyond, the pride he felt for his family only swelled. As grandchildren began to arrive, no greater love could be more evident. While he was, without question, an amazing father, he was an even more remarkable grandfather.

As “Poppy” he assumed the greatest role in life. Whether as the loudest cheerleader at sporting events, a respectful observer at school functions and academic milestones, or a coach on the basketball court, he was always there, bringing his unique flavor of enthusiasm and support. As the grandchildren grew older and moved on to college and beyond, Poppy was always traveling to visit or to make a quick campus stop.

Richard had many accomplishments in his professional career. A licensed electrical journeyman for many years, he was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Having a college degree and possessing a desire to serve in a greater capacity, he followed in his father’s footsteps, as he rose through the ranks, serving as Assistant Business Agent and then Business Agent of local union 90 in New Haven.

Later, he was tapped by the International President to serve as an International Representative for the region of New England, a position he held until his retirement. His duties included labor negotiations, mediation, and arbitration matters affecting employees in the industrial, manufacturing, commercial, and residential electrical sectors. He was responsible for labor activities of union affiliates and employees on all labor matters in the assigned areas of New England.

Appointed to the Connecticut Board of Occupational Licensing, his gubernatorial appointments spanned both Democratic and Republican administrations, beginning with Ella T. Grasso in 1976 and continuing until his retirement in 2009.

In his retirement, he again served at the pleasure of the Governor, by way of his appointment to the Connecticut State Arbitration and Mediation Board. As a member of this agency, he mediated employer/employee disputes and grievances. He was fair, organized, and clear in his decisions—always viewing matters through the lenses of all parties involved.

Without question, he was an exemplar of loyalty, love, decency, and respect. His presence in life and his impact on others was immense—the void that is left is insurmountable for those whose paths crossed with his. He will be forever missed.

Richard’s family will hold a wake on Tuesday November 23, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 PM at W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home , 244 North Main Street, U.S. Route 1, Branford. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 10:00AM at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, St. John Bosco parish, 731 Main Street, Branford, with burial at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105 or on-line at stjude.org.