Obituary of Paolo Sellari

Paolo "Paoluccio" Sellari, 90, of Shelton, peacefully passed away, Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Bridgeport, surrounded by loving family. Paolo was born in Ceccano (Frosinone) Italy to Giovanni Battista Sellari and Michelangela Santucci on May 22, 1926. While in Italy, Paolo and his wife Marzietta worked hard to support their children and extended family. He was also adored by his community and neighbors, always willing to lend a helping hand. On December 24, 1968, Paolo immigrated to Bridgeport to provide his children with education and opportunity. Once in America, he worked for the Greyline Bus Company and Bridgeport Plating. Paolo lived for his family and for passing on his Italian traditions. He was a passionate man and the maestro of homemade prosciutto, wine, and sausage making. He could often be found in the shed or garden organizing seeds and determining the phase of the moon for optimal harvest. He couldn't be more proud of his grand & great grandchildren, teaching them his language and Italian heritage, frequently taking them to spend summers in Italy. Paolo saw the good in everyone and welcomed people with open arms (regardless of language barriers). His smile was infectious. Paolo enjoyed sharing stories of his life and his country. Paolo was predeceased by his parents Giovanni Battista and Michelangela; a sister Pietrina Sellari and her husband Carlo Testani; 2 children Michele and Palmina; 5 in-laws Cesira & Sebastiano Marini, Giueseppina & Michele Marini; and Gino Cerquozzi. He was survived by his wife of 70 years, Marzietta Sellari, 2 children Michelina Ciampini and her husband Franco and Roberto Sellari and his wife Anna Maria; 4 grandchildren and their spouses Fabio and Eileen Ciampini, Milena and Tyce Shelburn, Tanya and Paul Fonte, and Paolo and Gabrielle Sellari; 5 great grandchildren Desmond Shelburn, Gabriella Fonte, Alessandro Fonte, Liana Ciampini, and Matteo Sellari; 1 sister-in-law Enrica Cerquozzi as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 9:00 a.m. in St. Margaret's Shrine, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow in the Garden Mausoleum in St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday from 4- 8 p.m.