Albert R. Sardilli

Albert R. Sardilli, age 88, of Seymour, formerly of Fairfield passed peacefully, Monday, October 17, 2016 following a courageous battle with cancer. Born in New Britain on June 1, 1928 the son of the late Augustino and Adelaide Sardilli he survived by two beloved sons, Michael Sardilli and his companion Judit Matuz of Easton and Richard Sardilli of Newington; a step-daughter, Lynn Summers of California; a devoted brother, Henry Sardilli of Newington. He was predeceased by his wife Josephine Sardilli, his 26 year companion Josephine Nickerson and three brothers, Angelo, Guido and Guerrino Sardilli. Al graduated from New Britain High School in 1945 and the University of Connecticut in 1949. At UConn, Al played football and was a four year starter earning "All New England" status all four years. After graduation he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict where he received the United Nations Service Medal and three Combat Stars achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following the war Al played semi-professional football in the Middletown area. He later opened and operated the Riverside Café in Fairfield where he played in the Sunday morning slow-pitch softball league until the age of 70. An avid and devoted NY Yankees fan, Al was a season ticket holder and often sponsored excursions to Yankee Stadium for his patrons at his café. Al was happy-go-lucky and loved to laugh. He enjoyed his trips to the casino with his family. Up until his last days Al always had a good story to tell and good laughs for everyone around him. He will be greatly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road (RT 59), Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield. Friends may call Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com