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Stephen Frank Zangrillo, 91, Lifelong Darien Resident

DARIEN, Conn. -- Stephen Frank Zangrillo, 91, passed away peacefully July 8, 2015 at his home in Darien surrounded by his family.

Born Dec. 26, 1923, Zangrillo was a lifelong Darien resident. The son of the late Mae and Patsy Zangrillo, he was born in their home on Fitch Avenue.

He also was predeceased by his brother Peter Zangrillo, and his sisters Ann Sherwood and Ceil Danna.

Zangrillo served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943-45 as an Army corporal in the South Pacific. When he returned from the war, he opened the Darien Sport Shop Aug. 1, 1946. He saw the business grow and expand throughout the years to what is now considered a town landmark and shopping destination in Fairfield County.

He was a charter member of the Country Club of Darien in 1956, where he was the first men's golf club champion in 1957. He served as president of the Darien Chamber of Commerce in 1960 and he donated the first ambulance to Post 53 in 1976. He also hosted the community at the annual Christmas tree lighting in the Darien Sport Shop parking lot every year since 1978.

He is survived by his wife, Yolanda; his son Stephen Jr. and his wife Pam, his son Anthony and his wife Gina, his daughters Stephanie and Gina; his six grandchildren, Stephen III and his wife Danielle, Gregory Reilly, Nicholas Neville, Douglas Reilly, Samantha Neville, Allison Reilly, and his brother Robert.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. John's Church, 1986 Post Road, Darien. Burial will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Darien EMS Post 53, P. O. Box 2066, Darien, CT 06820 or the United States Wounded Soldiers Foundation, 11700 Preston Road, Suite 660, PMB 135, Dallas, TX 75230.

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