Louis Riello

Louis Alfred Riello died on January 14, 2013. He was born in New Haven on March 22, 1918, son of the late Giuseppe and Maria Tito Riello. He leaves behind his brother Francis and his wife Patsy, their daughter Maria and grandson Alexander, nieces Mary Riello, Regina Mastrianni, Patricia Valdez, and nephews Joseph Riello, Christopher Riello and Thomas Ramedia. He was predeceased by his older sister Madeline and younger brothers Achille and Albert. Louis graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1935, when his principal observed the period to be marked by the "depressing influence of economic uncertainty" and the foreboding "horrid premonition of war". Both of these events pretty much defined the generation of which he was a part. Higher education had to be postponed or even not achieved. Engaging in employment of any kind was not an option of the times. He, therefor, channeled his love for drawing and hope for entering art school into continuing his educationat the Boardman Trade School located on Broadway and adjoining Hillhouse High School. He spent two years at Boardman Trade where he specialized in mechanical drawing. This led to a long period of many years of night school at what is now known as the University of New Haven where he was eventually awarded a degree in mechanical engineering. In addition to numerouse "catch as catch can" employment opportunities, he was finally employed in 1939 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. in their rolling mill operation as a mechanical engineer. In 1943, he entered the U.S. Navy as a "seabee". He served as a proud member of the 136th USN CB Battalion which did service in the Asiatic Pacific theater of WWII and later in the post war occupation of Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Louis was then employed as a mechanical engineer at both American Steel and Wire and finally the Olin Corporation from which he retired in 1973 as a specialist in gun design. He continued part time employment in his profession as a free lance consultant for many years thereafter. Funeral from Sisk Brothers Funeral Home 3105 Whitney Ave. Hamden, Friday at 9:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Bridget Church, Cheshire. Burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4 - 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributionst to St. Bridget School 171 Main St. Cheshire, 06410. www.siskbrothers.com

Louis Riello

March 22, 1918 - January 14, 2013