Longtime Enfield Businessman, Town Councilor Joey Bosco Dies At 60

ENFIELD, CT — Joey Bosco, a longtime Enfield business owner and 8-term District 1 representative on the Enfield Town Council, died Friday following a long battle with cancer. He was 60.

Bosco, a 1980 graduate of Enfield High School, was co-owner of Bosco's Automotive. He also served many years on the board of directors for the annual Four Town Fair.

The Republican first sought the District 1 council seat in 2007, knocking off 2-term Democratic incumbent Brian Peruta. He subsequently won the next seven elections against a variety of challengers for his seat, sometimes exceeding 60 percent vote totals.

Bosco was known for caring deeply about Enfield, and District 1 in particular, and was never afraid to speak his mind, even if it went against majority opinion or the party line.

"Joey Bosco brought a unique perspective to the town council during his 15 years of service," former mayor Scott Kaupin said. "This perspective served both the town and Joey very well. He was able to find his niche and become an agent for change, and the town council could lean on Joey as the subject matter expert of everything related to public works. Although Joey often joked that he was surprised people would actually vote for him, Joey never lost an election. Voters appreciated the no nonsense, common sense approach to public service that Joey epitomized, and elected him eight straight times. Always reachable by phone or available for a quick chat at the Bosco's shop, Joey was seen as a hard-working "regular guy." Joey was a wealth of knowledge regarding Enfield's past, he worked hard to make our town a better place for today, and never lost sight of planning for the future needs and improvements. I offer my condolences to Jackie and the entire Bosco family. Thank you for sharing him with us. Enfield is a much better place today because of Joey Bosco. He made a big difference and is already missed."

Retired police chief and former councilor Carl Sferrazza said, "Joey was always guided by his love of his family, friends and the people of Enfield. He was always there for his family and friends, and his legacy will enrich this community for a very long time."

"We are all deeply saddened with the passing of Councilor Joey Bosco," Mayor Bob Cressotti said. "Enfield has lost a very unselfish person who has dedicated many years of service to do what he felt was right for the town. Joe was an extremely passionate, kind and humble man. He was never at a loss for words. He would agree to disagree but was always respectful and never let your friendship get in the way. Thank you Joe for your love and dedication to Enfield and for your friendship. Our condolences go out to his family, we are all sorry for your loss and grateful for the lives he has touched."

Longtime councilor Cindy Mangini said, "While Joey and I were on opposite ends of the political spectrum, we respected each other's positions and opinions. We served on a few subcommittees together and we always came to reasonable compromise. Most importantly, Joe Bosco was my friend. I will miss him tremendously."

"Hearing of the passing of Joey Bosco brings many things to mind," councilor Lori Unghire said. "His sincerity, his honesty, and his frankness, coupled with his warm disposition made him stand out and stand above. I admired his knowledge of "all things Enfield." Because of his many years of public service and overall town experience, he was a "go to" guy when you needed information or needed a different perspective to better understand an issue. He always answered me directly and many times, humorously, and was always thorough in the information he provided. I admired him, his love for his family, friends, and the town of Enfield. His passing is a great loss to the town, and I will personally miss him very much."

Bosco is survived by his wife Jackie, three daughters, four grandchildren, two brothers and a sister.

Calling hours are slated for Thursday, April 7 from 3-7 pm. at Browne Memorial Chapels, 43 Shaker Rd., Enfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by his cousin, Fr. Al Fontana, at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church (St. Jeanne Jugan Parish), 23 Simon Rd., Enfield. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s King Street Cemetery.

His complete obituary from Browne Memorial Chapels may be viewed here.