Bruno Parafati

Bruno Parafati, 76, dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, with family by his side.  Bruno will be remembered for his fierce love of family, integrity, and ability to light up a room with his quick-witted humor.

Bruno was born on August 12th, 1948, in Cardinale, Province of Catanzaro, Calabria, Italy to his parents Salvatore Parafati and Maria Caterina (Fraietta) Parafati.  He immigrated to the United States on March 17th, 1966, where he resided in New Britain, CT for 22 years before settling in Berlin, CT.  Bruno was employed by Stanley Tools in New Britain, CT for 38 years.  Bruno had many trade skills, including his uncanny ability to fix anything automotive related.

Bruno was a member of St. Paul’s Church in Berlin, CT.  He was a founding member of Calabria Mia Society in New Britain, CT, where he served as Treasurer.  Bruno enjoyed making his homemade wine and tending to his meticulous garden.  On Sunday mornings, he’d never miss a soccer game on TV, rooting for his favorite team, Juventus.  He also loved spending the cold winter months in Florida, where he frequented the beach, a place that offered him peace and solace. Most of all, he treasured time spent with his family.

Bruno is survived by his cherished and devoted wife and caregiver of 50 years, Lina (Coco) Parafati; his daughter Cathy Bassermann and her husband Michael; his son Sal and wife Debbie and their children Marco and Mia; and his son Enzo and wife Stephanie and their children Remi, Khloe and Claire, all of Berlin, CT.  In addition to his immediate family, Bruno is survived by his sisters Maria Ghamo and Antonietta Crispo; and brother Joseph Parafati and wife Maria, all of New Britain, CT; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Bruno is predeceased by his father Salvatore, his mother Maria Caterina and his brother-in-laws Vincenzo Crispo and Salvatore Ghamo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 27th, at 11:30 AM at St. Paul Church in Berlin.  Entombment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in New Britain.  Visitation will be on Friday from 9 AM to 11 AM at Erickson - Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Berlin.  The Parafati family extends their deepest appreciation to Hartford Healthcare with a special thank you to Bruno’s angel nurses Susan, Sharon & Melanie and aides Pam and Sally.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or the Michael J. Fox Foundation @ https://give.michaeljfox.org