Pasquale “Patsy” Festa, 87, of Seymour and previously of Norwalk, peacefully passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2021. He was the husband of Nancy (Eyerly) Festa for over 62 years.
He was the seventh of ten children born to Generoso and Amelia Festa of Moscarello Place, South Norwalk. Patsy attended Norwalk High School and joined the United States Army in 1954, stationed in Japan. While in the service he was an outstanding baseball player and was scouted by two minor league teams. He was a full time firefighter for the Norwalk Fire Department from 1957-2003. He holds the longest tenure and proudly wore badge #1 for over 18 years.
Patsy was an incredibly natural athlete, playing for the NFD softball team into his 50s. He enjoyed baseball, basketball, football and hockey. He also loved to attend his children’s sporting events and coaching their teams.
He worked for Wagner Pools in Darien for 25 years and was a cab driver for The Norwalk Cab Company for three decades, driving for them until he was 84. He knew the map of New England completely.
Patsy is remembered as a gentle giant, fearless, and moral and a consummate gentleman. He had an unparalleled work ethic, he sacrificed all he had for his family, and he spent a lifetime selflessly risking his safety for the well-being of others.
Besides his wife Nancy, Patsy is survived by his son Pasquale Festa Jr. and wife Jodi of Milford, his daughters Jolene Festa of Brooklyn and Melissa Festa and husband Albert Mannes of VA, and three phenomenal grandchildren Maddie, Katie, and River. He also leaves four sisters Faye DuBois, Helen Barati, Rose Russo, and Matilda “Tillie” Besaw along with several nieces and nephews.
The world lost a hero, and anyone who had the honor of being a part of his life knew they were in the presence of a great man and human being.
Due to COVID no services are planned at this time. A memorial will be held sometime in the spring. Prospect Memorial Funeral Home is privileged to assist the family.
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