OBIT: Blase Peter Picone, 94, who Founded the Sundae House in Milford

Blase Peter Picone, 94, a longtime resident of Orange and beloved husband of Josephine Castiglione Picone, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on January 4, 2016.

He was born on February 3, 1921, in New Haven, CT to the late Luigi and Emanuela Arpino Picone.

Blase graduated from Hillhouse High School in New Haven, CT in 1939 and Junior College of Commerce in 1941 (which is now Quinnipiac).

Blase was a United States Veteran, Pharmacist Mate First Class. Blase married the love of his life Josephine Castiglione on April 12, 1947. He was the manager of the Yellow Freight System in Stamford, CT.

Blase and his sister Angelina Simone founded the Sundae House in Milford. He was also the past President of the Bridgeport Traffic Club and Fathers Club at Amity High School Class of 1965-1967.

He coached his son’s Little League baseball team and basketball team for many years. He was an avid golfer and loved to watch professional ladies and men’s golf, as well as the UCONN Women’s Basketball Team.

Blase is survived by his wife of 67 years, Josephine Castiglione Picone; son, Blase (Dianne) Picone, Jr. of Madison; daughter, Margaret (Peggy) Picone of Orange; and his three granddaughters, Lauren Picone of Boston, Rachel Perrone and Melissa Hicock of New York City. Blase is predeceased by his siblings, Angelina, Anthony, Angelo, and Louis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday January 7, 2016, at 10 a.m. at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange, CT 06477 (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad Street, Milford, CT. Interment will follow at Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Center Road, Orange, CT.