Benjamin M. Scimonelli

MANCHESTER — Benjamin M. "Benny Scimonelli, 78, of Burnham Street, died Jan. 7, 2008, at St. Francis Hospital.

He was the husband of Rosetta (Licciardi) Scimonelli for 55 years.

Born April 4, 1929, in Winsted, he was the son of Rose (Streno) and Paul Scimonelli. He was raised in Winsted, attended local schools and graduated from The Gilbert School, class of 1948. During his senior year, at the age of 18, he joined the Governors Foot Guard Band.

Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and played the euphonium as a member of the Navy band. For four years, he traveled the world on the aircraft carrier "Roosevelt" and served during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1952 and settled in Winsted, commuting to Hartford, where he worked in the insurance companies and later at Pratt & Whitney as a computer operator.

Mr. Scimonelli retired in 1988, after more than 30 years of work, and settled in Manchester to be near his married children and grandchildren. In his later years, he continued to love his music, traveling, gourmet foods, winters in Florida and watching UConn basketball games. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Scimonelli is survived by two sons, attorney Paul Scimonelli and his wife, Maria, and Dr. Richard Scimonelli; his daughter, Annalisa Macchiarella and her husband, Stefano; six grandchildren, Michael, Francesco, Roberto and Leonardo Scimonelli and Michele "Mike" and Rosanna Macchiarella.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Jan. 12 at St. Joseph's Church, Winsted, at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be held in the spring. Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 11, at Montano-Shea Funeral Home, Winsted, from 6 to 8 p.m. Visit an online guestbook at montano-shea.com.