Obituary of Louis Bazzano

Louis J. Bazzano Sr., beloved husband of the late Joan (Murphy) Bazzano passed away with his children by his side on Friday, April 19. Lou was born in New Britain, CT on June 15, 1927, the son of the late Luciano and Maria (DiMauro) Bazzano. He was a 1945 graduate of New Britain High School where he played basketball and baseball. He served in the Army during World War II in the Army of Occupation, European Theater in Germany and France. After his discharge, Lou attended Springfield College where he graduated with a B.S. in Physical Education in 1951 and later earned a Master of Education degree. He began his teaching and coaching career in Plymouth, New Hampshire in 1951 where, in his first year, he coached the football team to a state championship, the basketball team to an undefeated season and the baseball team to a league championship. In 1953, he was appointed head coach of basketball and assistant coach of baseball at Bulkeley High School in Hartford, CT. During the next 13 years with the "Bulldogs", Lou earned the respect of coaches, players, sports writers and fans throughout New England as his disciplined, well drilled and always hard fighting teams compiled outstanding records highlighted by inspired tournament play. This included two trips to the legendary "New England Tournament" played at the Boston Garden in 1958 and 1962. Lou's overall coaching record at Bulkeley was 202-86 as his combined Bulkeley / Plymouth teams finished with winning seasons in 14 out of 15 years. In 1966, Lou became the Assistant Supervisor of Physical Education, Health and Athletics for the Hartford School System and was promoted to Coordinator of Physical Education and Athletics in 1979. Lou officially retired in 1991completing a 40-year career including 38 years in Hartford. Lou received the UNICO National Special Athletic Award in 1967, the Connecticut Sports Writers' Alliance "Gold Key" award in 1997 and is a member of the New Britain Sports Hall of Fame, Connecticut High School Coaches Hall of Fame and New England Sports Hall of Fame. While Lou was very proud of these accomplishments, he valued most the relationships he developed throughout his career and in his family and community life. A 60-year resident of Newington, Lou's warmth and positive personality became an integral part of the Town's fabric including regular visits to the "coaches' table" at Steve's Place. His roots in New Britain remained strong dating back to his days with the "Pioneers Club" and he cherished his weekly lunches at Angelico's with his longtime friends. His love for and impact on the City of Hartford extended to the Bulkeley, Hartford Public and Weaver communities as well. Above all, Lou was the consummate family man. He was a devoted husband of 47 years to his wife Joan, who was the love of his life and he, her rock. He was a wonderful, caring father, grandfather and uncle. Lou leaves behind his son James Bazzano and wife Margaret of Newington and their children Michael and Alexandra, daughter Ann Marie LaGrange of Windsor Locks, her son Jason and fiancé Chantel and their children Dalton and Avery, Ann Marie's daughter Brenna Macy and husband Tyler and their daughter Mariah, daughter Loreen Bazzano of Newington, daughter Elaine McDonald of Newington and her children Joni and Cody, daughter in law Deborah Namnoum of Newington, sister Sophie Truglio of New Britain, brothers in law Francis Murphy and wife Peggy of New Britain and Anthony Murphy and wife Chris of Berlin. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews including special niece MaryAnn Collin and husband Daniel. Lou was also predeceased by his son Louis Bazzano Jr., son in law Jeffrey LaGrange, brothers in law Anthony Truglio, Joseph Murphy Jr. and Christopher Shea and sister in law Maryann Shea. Lou's impact on all those he touched will be sorely missed. He carried himself with dignity and great class throughout his life. His contributions to our society as part of "the greatest generation" will not soon be forgotten. Our family is grateful for the love and support Lou received from the staff and caregivers at New Britain General Hospital, Bel-Air Manor and Jefferson House. Funeral services will be held Wednesday 9:00 AM from the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Church, 183 Church St, Newington. Burial will follow in West Meadow Cemetery, Newington. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Retirement Fund for Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, 468 Poquonock Ave., Windsor, CT 06095.