Obituary of Orazio Joseph Bongiovanni

Orazio Joseph Bongiovanni passed peacefully surrounded by his loving family on May 25th, 2019. Joe was born on April 3, 1940 to Joseph and Antoinette Bongiovanni in Jersey City, New Jersey. Joe graduated from St. Peter’s Preparatory School, and went on to complete his undergraduate degree in business at St. Peter’s College as well as earn his MBA in marketing from Fairleigh-Dickinson University.

Fifty eight years ago, Joe asked Catherine to dance, which led to a fifty six year-long loving marriage. They began their family in 1963. He was Dad to his four children; Suzanne Cappiello and her husband Frank, Michele Finkenstadt and her husband Edward, Joseph Bongiovanni and his partner Dan McGhie, and Brad Bongiovanni and his wife Leigh Anne. He was Papa to his six grandchildren; Jessica, Joseph, Nicole, Alyssa, Lily, and Orazio Cruz. He was Big Pop to his great-granddaughter, Stella Grace. Joe is also survived by his four siblings, Benjamin, JoAnn Pacelli (Joe), James (Lois), and Anthony (Nancy), and many nieces and nephews. He also cherished quality time with his wide circle of friends.

Joe enjoyed a successful marketing career that took him from New Jersey to upstate New York, and finally to Connecticut. He served as Vice President of Marketing for the Weston Group based in Westport, CT.  During his career, he consulted on many high level accounts: Colgate/Palmolive, Welch Foods, and Dow Chemical.

While Joe traveled extensively for work and pleasure, he always prioritized spending quality time with family down the Jersey Shore. Joe loved the game of tennis and was an avid player with a mean slice. Throughout his life, he shared his knowledge and expertise with his family and friends because of his love for the game. He also enjoyed golf, playing cards with the boys, and rooting for his beloved New York Giants and Bronx Bombers.

Joe was known as a soft-spoken gentleman who always put family first. He led by example, always extending his wisdom, guidance, compassion and love to those whose lives he touched.

If so inclined, in lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to VITAS Community Connection in the name of Orazio Joseph Bongiovanni via http://vitascommunityconnection.org/community-connection/donate, and selecting the designation of “Connecticut”.  Per Joe’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A memorial celebration is currently being planned with information to be provided at a later date.