DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS,FUNERAL SERVICES WILL BE POSTPONED UNTIL TUESDAY
Putnam – Louis E. Molinaro, 91, of Flagg Street, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday December 22, 2010. Born in Putnam, he was the son of the late Samuel and Mary (Granata) Molinaro.
Mr. Molinaro graduated at the age of 16 in 1935 from Tourtellotte High School as the Solitarian. He played 3 years of semi-professional football and won a full scholarship to Worcester Polytechnical Institute but was unable to attend because he had to go to work to support his family. He was a World War II U.S. Army Sergeant who participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France; the Battle of the Bulge; and the liberation of France. He was Postmaster of the North Grosvenor Dale Post Office for 26 years and very active in civil and community activities. He served as Commander of the American Legion Post 67 as well as State Commander, and was a Charter Member of the Thompson Lions Club. He was an active communicant of St. Joseph Church where he served as a parish trustee and lector.
He is predeceased by his wife, Rachel (Joly) Molinaro, and sons Buster, James and Michael. He is survived by his daughter Kathy Bell and her husband John Bell of North Grosvenordale; six grandchildren, including Tracie Molinaro, Jill Silvestri Molinaro and her husband Joseph, Beth Palladino and her husband Todd, Kim Molinaro, Louis Bell and his wife Erica, John Bell, Jr. and his wife Alicia; seven great grandchildren, Hannah, Benjamin, Jamie, Jessica, Sophia, Charlie and Brendan; longtime companion Gloria McColloch; and his daughter in-laws, Diane Thayer, and Carolyn Molinaro.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Louis’ family from 10:00 to 11:00 am, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2010 in the Valade Funeral Home, 23 Main St., N. Grosvenordale CT followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 am in St. Joseph Church, 20 Main St., N. Grosvenordale. Burial with Military Honors will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Church, 20 Main St., N. Grosvenordale, CT 06255
Steven Brown
I’m sorry to hear about Uncle Lou’s passing. I wish I could be there to pay my respects. He is in my thoughts.
Louis Bell
On Wednesday 12/22/10 my grandfather Louis Molinaro passed away. He lived a long and full life. He was 91. He made everyone he knew very happy. He also helped many others live a rich and full life. I never met anyone who had a bad thing to say about him. We love you Papa. You will be sorely missed.
Barbara Chubbuck
So sorry to lose such a great man. Affectionately know to us as Paw Kettle. Back in the day always hosting a group of kids who loved him dearly. The Molinaro Clan, Maw and Paw Kettle, Buster, Jimmy and Mike…great losses to those who loved them. He will always be in our hearts as are the others who passed before him. Just loved that man. Barbara and Alan Chubbuck
Linda and Thomas Joyal
Dear Kathy and John,
It is with sad news to hear about the death of your dad. Your dad was a wonderful man of compassion, pride and respect. Growing up he always ‘welcomed’ us to his home. I’ll never forgot the german shepherd that went through the window because he was always so excited to see people. Your dad replied, ‘don’t worry he’ll come back.’ Your dad always had a listening hear and spoke with grace and integrity. He was a good man and I’ll always remember him for his worldy accomplishments with his family, friends, and the community. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family through this most difficult time. Always, Linda and Tom
Richard J. Hennessey
My sincere condolences to the Molinaro family.
Lou was a true veterans’ advocate who went that extra mile to provide many disabled veterans the means to rebuild their lives. The number of lives of veterans he has salvaged are known only to God.
Lou has honored us with his gifts of good counsel compassion, wit, understanding and his deep concern for veterans of the State of Connecticut. He will be deeply missed in the veterans’ community of Connecticut.
I feel very fortunate that Lou touched my life. I will keep him in my prayers.
Mary Benoit
I was truly blessed to get to know Lou. He was a wonderful kind man with a heart of gold. He will be so missed but kept close in my thoughts and my heart.
Joan Granata Scolsky
Louie was our cousin……..our dad, Bill Granata Sr., was the enormously loved Uncle Bill to Louie, and he nicnamed him Louie Jutes…..and so Louie Jutes he always was to us. Lady luck shown down on us this past September and we spent the whole day with Louie reminiscing and taking him out to dinner. We had such a nice day. Louis was a great gay, he was loved by everyone who knew him. He will be missed by all who touched his life.
God bless you Louie Jutes.
Cousins Joan, Mary and Toots
Uncle Bill’s daughters