Louis Rocco Malizia

Louis Rocco Malizia, 91, cherished husband of Joan (Guerin) for 64 blissful years, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Apple Rehab in Cromwell. A longtime resident of Berlin, Louis was born to Lucy (Mazziotto) and James B. Malizia in Hartford on July 21,1930. Besides his wife, Louis leaves another light of his life, his precious daughter, Lu-Ann, with whom he shared a special bond over their mutual love of Scripture and football; his dear “son-in-love”, Scott, who Louis commissioned to take care of his “two gals” and his loving grandson, Brandon Malizia of Huntersville, NC. He was predeceased by his son, Todd, his football hero; his sister, Ann Burns and her companion Vincent Ferrigno; his brother, Rocco and wife, Patty (Cheever) Malizia; his beloved in-laws, Louise (Keris) and George Guerin as well as dear aunts and uncles. Louis is survived by his favorite baseball buddy/“daughter,” Paula Joy Karine and special friend, Scott Raulinaitis, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He leaves many happy memories in the hearts of so many treasured friends especially Joseph and Martha D’Agostino who for the past 37 years have shared countless joys, tears and laughter. We are forever grateful for the many hours they spent visiting Lou during his illness. After graduating from Bulkeley High School, Louis attended Dartmouth where he was granted an academic and athletic scholarship for football. Lou left Dartmouth to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his return, he went into the masonry business with his father and brother while earning an Associate Degree from the University of Hartford. Louis soon became a sought-after masonry estimator and member of the Society of Professional Estimators and leaves many good friends from his long and extensive career. Louis also worked part time in architectural drafting and taught the craft at a trade school. Louis’ favorite project by far was designing and building the house for his bride that has been their residence for 64 years – brick, of course. Louis served on the Berlin Building Commission and was the co-founder and Secretary of the Berlin Midget Football League from its inception in which he enjoyed many games coaching his son, Todd. His love of music and dancing led him to join the Bucks and Does Square Dance Club with his wife where he served as Vice President and teacher’s aide for years. Lou was able to learn the calls more quickly than Joan which was quite a feat as she had prior dance experience. This proved to be a source of loving competitiveness and joy over the years. Lou could play piano by ear and was known to break into song and sing harmony with Joan at the drop of a hat. Lou and his wife have always been actively involved in their parish at St. Paul Church, where they introduced the Christian Family Movement, enjoyed being facilitators of the Catholic Renew Program and where he taught CCD. Louis had a special devotion to the Holy Rosary and “prayed the gospel through Mary’s eyes” daily especially in long traffic jams saving many souls along the way. In his retirement years, he was a daily communicant at Holy Spirit Church in Newington where he enjoyed making new friends and discussing theological insights with Fr. Joshua Wilbur.  Louis was a bright light in the world, filled with grace and a witty, humble man who had the ability to make people feel comfortable and appreciated. In his final months, his nickname was “Smiley” as his first response to everyone was a broad smile. Lou succeeded at “speaking the gospel at all times and only when necessary, using words”. Louis was a prince among men who will be sorely missed by all who knew him and confided in him. Filled with wisdom, Louis would offer a soft place to land for all those who sought solace in their daily struggles, and his kind and understanding heart was pursued by many for counsel. Louis was filled with validation and love for all those blessed enough to know him. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, aides, kitchen staff and all who cared for Louis after his stroke. God Bless Margery, Robin, Diana, JoAnn and Margaret for their loving and cheerful support of Louis and his family. We are grateful to them and Hartford Healthcare Hospice for their compassionate care throughout our journey. Relatives and friends are invited to a 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. visitation on Friday, October 8th at Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Berlin, CT immediately followed at 11:30 a.m. by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul Catholic Church, 485 Alling Street, Berlin, CT. Burial will be private at the request of the family. Due to allergies, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105

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