Edward F. Spagnolo

Mr. Edward F. Spagnolo
Navy veteran, Bethany resident, and
Owner of Color-ite Refinishing Co.

BETHANY - Mr. Edward Francis Spagnolo, 82, of Bethany, passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Ed was born on November 30, 1942 in Waterbury, CT to Rosemary and Adriano Spagnolo. He graduated from W. F. Kaynor Technical High School before following in his father’s footsteps and enlisting in the US Navy in 1960. After completing his training at the Sonar Fleet School in Key West, Florida, Ed joined the crew of the USS Waller. During the 13-day Cuban Missile Crisis in October of 1962, the USS Waller was assigned to anti-submarine parole duty when PO2 Spagnolo detected the Soviet submarine B-59. He continued to track and signal the vessel until it was forced to surface and eventually turn back.

Though he loved serving in the Navy, Ed chose not to reenlist and returned to Waterbury to help support his family. Mentored by his beloved uncle, Ed worked and saved to move his mother and siblings to a better house and start a business of his own. Ed had always been an automotive enthusiast and he was an active member of several Lincoln and classic car clubs. He and his younger brother, Rick, began to offer custom painting services and eventually Ed’s reputation for quality paint and parts restoration work led to full, highly specialized restoration projects. Color-ite Refinishing Co. was established in 1970. Over the next 54 years, Ed went on to complete many restoration projects and make countless friends among his customers and colleagues. He had people who worked with him, never for him, and he was known as much for the quality of his character as he was for the craftsmanship of his work and his expert attention to detail. He valued dedication, well thought out actions, and the pursuit of excellence in anything he put his mind to doing - values that he emphasized to his daughter and anyone else he thought highly of.

Ed’s love of his business could not compare to his love of his family. He and his wife, Albertine, married in 1984. Their daughter, Nancy, was born and Ed got the title he was most committed to - father. In 1996, the family moved to Bethany to the house Ed and Albertine had built next to his business. In his later years, Ed was at his happiest sitting on the swing in the front yard enjoying sunny days admiring what he lovingly called his “empire”. His wit and gift for storytelling were hallmarks of any visit. Family gatherings were filled with good food and many stories and his boisterous laugh would ring through the house.

Ed was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Rosemary. He is survived by his wife, Albertine, his daughter, Nancy, brothers Rick and Adrian, sisters Betsy, Margaret, Bonnie, Kelly, and Mary as well as nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.

 A Mass of Christian Burial will be held December 10, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 4 Union City Rd., Prospect, CT 06712. Burial will follow at Carrington Cemetery, Bethany, CT 06524. Calling hours will be Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM at Prospect Memorial Funeral Home at 122 Waterbury Rd., Prospect, CT 06712. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America at pva.org.

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