Joseph P Cognetta

Joseph "Bonz" Cognetta, 81, former resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully at home in Trumbull, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday June 3, 2015. Joe was born October 1, 1933 to the late Pasquale and Angelina (Loglisci) Cognetta. Joe was a loyal son and brother, a loving husband, father and father-in-law, uncle, friend and an overly proud grandfather and great grandfather. Bonz grew up on Rose Park, on the West Side of Stamford, and attended Stamford public schools. Joe enlisted in United States Army in 1953 and was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon his return home he began his career as a Mason Apprentice and received his certification in 1959. After his retirement from the trade, Joe fulfilled a life-long dream of his by owning and operating the Brass Rail restaurant in Stamford from 1983-1986. In 1987 Joe was given "The Honorary Deputy Police Chief Award", an award he was especially proud of. Joe's fingerprints will forever be present in Stamford due to his involvement in the building of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church & Rectory, the remodeling of Sacred Heart Church, and all the masonry work still standing at Frank Noto Little League Field at West Beach. On December 6, 1978, Joe received his most cherished award, an Apostolic Blessing from his holiness Pope John Paul II. The award reads, "To Mr. Joseph Cognetta and Family, In appreciation for outstanding service rendered to Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish". Anyone who knew Joe knew he had a heart of gold, which was evident in the charity work and fund raising he led. He spent numerous hours fund raising for Rosary Hill Hospice Home in Harthorne, New York, and Our Lady Star of the Sea Church Carnivals. Bonz was a past member of the Umbrella Club of Stamford, a past officer, and current member of, the Gravinese Mutual Aid Society of Stamford. Joe is survived by the love of his life of 54 years; Mona Cronsell Cognetta. He also leaves behind his loving children; Lynn and Mickey Vitti, Abby and Walter Pegoli, Marie and Bob Cassidy, his eleven grandchildren; Michael (Jamie), Sara, Ellie, Chris, Nicky, Joey, Bobby, Jena, Christine (Ryan), Carina, Emily, and his great grandchildren; Hendrick, GG, Talia, Jay and Juliana. Joe is also survived by his sister Maryanne Santora, sister-in-laws Irene Cognetta, Gerd Nilsson, brother-in-law Nils Cronsell, and many nieces, and nephews whom he greatly adored. Joe's days in Trumbull were brightened every day for the past 6 years by Yogi the family Bouvier. Joe and Yogi would be seen at least once daily riding to the gas station for CT Lottery Scratch offs. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his son Joseph P. Cognetta Jr., his brother and sister-in-laws; Michael Cognetta (Rose), Jeff Cognetta, Nick Cognetta Sr. (Naida), Frank Cognetta, Sr. (Tillie) and his brother-in-law William Santora. The Cognetta family will receive the sympathy and condolences of friends and family, Sunday, June 7, 2015 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, in Stamford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 8th at 11 am at Our Lady Star Of The Sea R.C. Church, 1200 Shippan Ave., in Stamford. Long-time friend, Monsignor Surwillo, and the Rev. Fr Peter Smolik will officiate. Special thanks to Sara Fry, RN, Masonicare Hospice, Dr. Gupta and all of his staff, and Dr. Persico for their care and compassion towards Joe and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joe's memory to High Hopes Therapeutic Horseback Riding of Old Lyme, 36 Town Woods Road, Old Lyme, CT 06371. The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Bosak Funeral Home, 453 Shippan Avenue, in Stamford. If you care to leave a condolence message online please visit the family guestbook on www.bosakfuneralhome.com or on the funeral home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome.

Joseph P Cognetta

October 1, 1933 - June 3, 2015