Bernard S. Gagliardi Sr. of North Haven CT, formerly of North Branford, passed away peacefully at Branford Hospice on Sunday November 19, 2023 with his beloved family by his side.  Bernie was born on March 12, 1927 in Hamden CT, to the late Maria DiMeo Gagliardi and Vincenzo Gagliardi, grew up in the New Haven area and was a graduate of Hillhouse High School.   Bernie served in the Navy during WWII and in 1947, married the love of his life, the late Gloria Mongillo Gagliardi. He worked for the New Haven Railroad and then for many years at Marlin Firearms in North Haven until his retirement.

Bernie was an accomplished accordionist and was band leader for “The Originals”, playing countless weddings and private events throughout the 1960’s and early 70’s. He was an avid sports fan of the New York Yankees, New York Giants and UCONN basketball. Of course, his most favorite teams were any of the soccer teams his four grandsons were playing on. Bernie and Gloria’s travels over the years took them to many locations both national and international including Atlantic City, New Hampshire, Florida on the east coast and Las Vegas, Colorado, and California on the west coast.  They also visited Spain, St. Maarten, and Punta Cana and took an occasional cruise here and there.  In his later years, visits to the casino and attending his son’s and grandsons’ musical events brought him his greatest pleasures. Any time spent among his family was where his greatest joy was found.

Bernie was married to his wife Gloria for nearly 69 years, and is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Bernard Jr and Maria Lisa, and his grandchildren Todd  (Melissa),  Jay,  Luke (Tessa) and Brett.  He is also survived by brothers Vincent, Ralph and his wife Genevieve, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Beside his parents and wife, Bernie was predeceased by his brothers Anthony and wife Teresa (Tess) , Michael and wife Norma, Philip and wife Filomena;  sisters Christine Richards and husband Ray, Florence (Ritz) Manzi and husband Michael, Margaret Kvitnizki and husband Anthony (Kippie); and sister-in-law Susan Gagliardi.

The visiting hours will be Friday, November 24th from 9:30am to 11:30am at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Family and friends are invited to go to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven Friday at 12 noon to attend a Mass of Christian burial and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in All Saints Cemetery