Obituary: Louis J. Festa, 74, of Wallingford

From Wallingford Funeral Home

Louis J. Festa, 74, of Wallingford, loving husband of Lisa (Shortell) Festa, died unexpectedly, Thursday, January 4, 2018.

Louie was born in Waterbury, September 23, 1943, the son of the late Pasquale Festa and Mary (Lavorgna) Festa. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War and had been employed by Meriden Rolling Mills until his retirement. Louie was a member of the VFW Post 591 and the Wallingford Elks Lodge 1365, where he served as a past Exalted Ruler.

In addition to his wife Lisa, he is survived by his daughters Darcy Grimes and Lisa Vitale; his stepdaughters Melissa Shaw, Kelly Shaw and Kristen (Thomas) Gildersleeve; 5 grandchildren Iszaiah, Jayden, Mason, Ethan and Olivia; and several cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Todd Festa.

Louie fought many battles with his health over the last few years and his family would like to thank all the doctors; nurses; therapists and Masonic Home Health and Hospice for helping him along the way. Special thanks to Jennifer, Meghan and Christina for their compassion and genuine care for Louie.

His family will receive relatives and friends in The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main St. Ext., Thursday, January 11, 2018, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A Memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be sent to Masonic Home Health and Hospice, 33 North Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, Ct. 06492 or to the US Navy Sea Cadets, Edson Division, NOSC, 30 Woodward Avenue, New Haven, CT 06492-5132

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.