Obituary of John R. Saracino

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John R. Saracino, 94, of Trumbull, CT on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Born on March 14, 1932, in The Bronx, New York, John was the beloved son of the late Alfred and Agnes (Elsie Grassia) Saracino. He attended Cardinal Hayes High School before his family, fatefully, moved to Bridgeport, CT, where he graduated from Central High School in 1950. During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Raphaleen (Rae) Riganese. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, 1957 and shared 68 devoted years together.

John graduated from Fairfield University, Class of 1954, served honorably in the United States Army Counter Intelligence Corp in Korea, and began his career with the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company (now Pfizer) in 1957. Over a distinguished thirty-five-year career, he earned recognition from the Sales Academy on multiple occasions and was promoted to District Sales Manager in New York and Medical Science (Education) Liaison for Connecticut.

Following his retirement in 1992, John continued his commitment to healthcare and education by volunteering and later working for the Connecticut State Medical Society conducting hospital accreditations. Proudly serving as the only non-physician on the team, he was recognized with their Award of Merit for his dedication and service to medical education.

John was known for his steadfast loyalty to the New York Football Giants, enduring every season with passion through the highs, lows, and Super Bowl wins. Sundays were reserved for Giants football, and family gatherings were often planned around kickoff times. He also had a lifelong love of big band jazz, especially the music of Harry James and his Orchestra. 

Above all else, John’s greatest joy was his family. Growing up in The Bronx as the only boy among many Saracino female cousins, he was affectionately known as Johnny Boy.  After moving to Bridgeport, he formed especially close bonds with cousins Louis Carrafiello, Jack Maresca, Joe Troiano, and Alan Grassia, whom he considered brothers. Through marriage, that circle grew to include his brothers-in-law Enso (Doc) Maleri, Michael (Mickey) Riganese, and Raymond Bylo.

In addition to his beloved wife Rae, John is survived by his devoted son, Robert (Rob) Saracino and his wife, Kathy, of Oxford, CT, and his daughter, Rachel Saracino of Trumbull, CT. He was a proud and loving grandfather (Pop-Pop) to Abigail (Abby) Saracino of North Carolina, Michael Saracino serving in the United States Army in Georgia, Brooke Ilnitzki of Stonington, CT, and Mikayla Ilnitzki of Trumbull, CT. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Kay Bylo, brother-in-law, Mickey Riganese, and sister-in-law, Fran Riganese, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

John was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Agnes Saracino, and his sister, Rosemarie Maleri; his cousins Louis Carrafiello, Joe Troiano, Stella Petriella and Roselle Friend; and his brothers-in-law Raymond Bylo and Enso (Doc) Maleri, along with many beloved aunts and uncles.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Middlebrook Farms in Trumbull, especially Jolyne, Aldeen, and Sophia, for the compassion, love, and attention they provided during the last year and a half of John’s life.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd, Trumbull, CT, on Sunday, May 17, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 220 Shelton Rd in Trumbull on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, please, consider a donation to St. Catherine of Siena RC Church in Trumbull in John’s name.  Thank you.

For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.