Nello Stortini, 38-Yr Stratford Fire Vet, Passes at 88

The Stratford Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own.

"We regret to inform you of the passing of Retired Assistant Chief Nello Stortini," reads a post on the department's Facebook page. "Assistant Chief Stortini served 38 years with the Stratford Fire Department and was the first Treasurer of the Stratford Fireman Benevolent Association." 

Stortini was 88.

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Stortini's full obituary, courtesy of Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, follows.

Nello J. Stortini, age 88, of Stratford, beloved husband of Amelia Dzurka Stortini, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away Monday, April 22, 2013 in Bridgeport Hospital with his loving family by his side.

Nello was born on September 14, 1924 in Bridgeport and was the son of the late Alfonso and Amelia Salvucci Stortini.

Nello was a 1943 graduate of Stratford High School and was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S Navy. He was a retired Assistant Chief on the Stratford Fire Department for 38 years of proud service. He was a member of the VFW #9460 of Stratford, the American Legion Post 0016, Elks lodge #0036, the Loyal Order of Moose, Bridgeport Lodge 289, the first Treasurer of the Stratford Fireman Benevolent Association, and a past officer of the Stratford Municipal Federal Credit Union for many years.

He was also a member of the St. Mark parish and Men’s Club, an avid gardener and would spend hours cultivating his vegetable and flower gardens. He enjoyed traveling, playing golf and wintering in Florida.

Nello was a great athlete and played on area slow pitch softball teams, including the 1959 CT State Champion Contract Plating team. He excelled in horseshoes and took part in a world tournament in South Dakota. Nello was an avid Yankees, New York Giants and Uconn Huskies fan.

In addition to his beloved wife Amelia of 66 years, he is survived by his loving daughter Jo-Anne Stanko and husband James of Stratford, three cherished grandchildren Justin Stanko and wife Amy of Shelton, Jeffery Stanko and partner Camille Freeman of California and James N. Stanko and fiancé Chrysalyn Rosselli of Stratford, three precious great grandchildren Mason James, Mara Grace and Manning Luke Stanko. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his bother George Stortini.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 27, 2013 at 10 a.m. directly in St. Mark Church 500 Wigwam Lane, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Birendra Soreng. Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery with full military honors.

Friends may call at the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home, 2220 Main St., Stratford on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Nello’s memory to the Stratford Visiting Nurses Association 88 Ryders Lane, Stratford.

The family would like to thank the Stratford Nurse Association for all their love and compassion given to their loved one during his illness.