Anthony R. Ferrigno, 89, of Newtown, husband of Alice Kohut Ferrigno, died peacefully April 28. Born and raised in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Rocco and Jennie Rega Ferrigno. A former resident of Fairfield, Mr Ferrigno moved to Newtown 20 years ago.

In addition to his wife, he will be remembered by his sons, Anthony Ferrigno II and wife Eileen of Stratford, and Rock Ferrigno, MD, and his wife Abbi of Newtown; his brother, Robert Ferrigno and wife Grace of Trumbull; his sister, Mattia Henley-Zwirz of Vero Beach, Fla.; his beloved nieces and nephews; Alice Kohut Ferrigno's children, Richard Cellar of Fairfield, Ruth Cellar Salce of Fairfield, Robert Cellar of Trumbull, and Rebecca Lanier and husband Joseph of Oxford; and his grandchildren, Alanna, Julianna, Isabella, Richard, Stephen, Michael, Anthony III, Arleigh, Amy, Peter, and William, survive him.

His sister, Maria Imbimbo, predeceased him.

Mr Ferrigno was a graduate of Bordentown Military Institute and the University of Connecticut, where he earned his Bachelor of Science for horticulture, served as the captain on the varsity football team, and successfully completed the ROTC program. Declining a draft offer from the Philadelphia Eagles football team, Mr Ferrigno proudly served as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After serving his country, Mr Ferrigno founded Treeland Garden Center & Nursery in Bridgeport, and later established the real estate development entity, Griswold Mall Associates.

He possessed a strong work ethic and insisted that those who worked with him have the same. Believing in the importance of giving back to his community, he willingly shared his time and business knowledge when serving on the Bridgeport Park Commission and as a longtime director for the Southwest Connecticut Better Business Bureau.

A lifetime member of Fayerweather Yacht Club and a former member of Black Rock Yacht Club, Mr Ferrigno was a talented sailor and loved competitive sailboat racing. He enjoyed years of success with his seasoned crew campaigning his boats, all named Secret, in the many Long Island Sound and Newport yachting regattas.

Throughout the entirety of his life, Mr Ferrigno remained business focused, but he was additionally very engaged in following the progress and achievements of his grandchildren, whom he was very proud of. A devout Catholic, Mr Ferrigno truly cared for his family and friends, and he had a very strong affection for animals. His memory will be embraced by those whom he touched throughout his fruitful life.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, May 2, from 4 to 8 pm in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield Center.

Funeral services will be Thursday, May 3, at 11 am, directly at St Catherine of Sienna Church, 220 Shelton Road, Trumbull, with burial to follow in St Michael's Cemetery, Stratford, with full military honors.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Bridgeport Animal Shelter, 236 Evergreen Street, Bridgeport CT 06606.

To sign Mr Ferrigno's guest register, visit leskopolkefuneralhome.com.