Obituary for Paul J. Cerruto
Paul J. Cerruto, 70, of New Hartford, passed away on December 1 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was the husband, best friend, and soul mate of Noreen (Darasz) Cerruto. He was born July 25, 1952 in Torrington and was raised in Bantam. Paul was the son of the late Anthony G. Cerruto, Sr. and Marion (Davis) Cerruto. He graduated from Litchfield High School, General Motors Auto Body School (NY), and Post College (Waterbury).
Paul was employed in various auto body shops until his retirement. His work career carried over to his hobby of restoring antique cars, pedal car toys, WWII and other vintage Jeeps, and Mustangs. Paul was a true craftsman and artisan in his restorations, won several local, state, and national awards and had his restored historical vehicles displayed in museums. He was well known, respected, and a consultant to many antique and vintage car and Jeep enthusiasts. He enjoyed studying history, especially U.S. history, and the Civil War, in particular. Throughout the years he was a member of several historical organizations and antique car clubs.
Paul was devoted to his family, was outgoing and witty, and had many friends. He was humble in his achievements, was kind-hearted, and demonstrated integrity and honesty by being “a man of his word”. Paul fought his 3 year battle with cancer with incredible courage and spirit, and in classic “Paul” style, with some humor, as well.
Besides his wife of 43 years, Paul is survived by his cherished daughter, Ann Rafferty and her husband, Peter (Torrington); his brothers, Peter (Bethlehem), James (Torrington), and Thomas (Weymouth, MA); eleven nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Anthony Cerruto, Jr.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Thurston Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Rd., Litchfield, CT. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Bantam. Calling hours will be from 10:00am to 12:00pm prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Paul can be made to the Closer to Free Fund at Smilow Cancer Hospital, checks payable to Closer to Free. Please include a note on the memo line that the gift is in memory of Paul Cerruto and mail to YNHH Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508
Paul was employed in various auto body shops until his retirement. His work career carried over to his hobby of restoring antique cars, pedal car toys, WWII and other vintage Jeeps, and Mustangs. Paul was a true craftsman and artisan in his restorations, won several local, state, and national awards and had his restored historical vehicles displayed in museums. He was well known, respected, and a consultant to many antique and vintage car and Jeep enthusiasts. He enjoyed studying history, especially U.S. history, and the Civil War, in particular. Throughout the years he was a member of several historical organizations and antique car clubs.
Paul was devoted to his family, was outgoing and witty, and had many friends. He was humble in his achievements, was kind-hearted, and demonstrated integrity and honesty by being “a man of his word”. Paul fought his 3 year battle with cancer with incredible courage and spirit, and in classic “Paul” style, with some humor, as well.
Besides his wife of 43 years, Paul is survived by his cherished daughter, Ann Rafferty and her husband, Peter (Torrington); his brothers, Peter (Bethlehem), James (Torrington), and Thomas (Weymouth, MA); eleven nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his brother, Anthony Cerruto, Jr.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 12:00 pm at Thurston Rowe Funeral Home, 283 Torrington Rd., Litchfield, CT. Burial will follow in Our Lady of Grace Cemetery, Bantam. Calling hours will be from 10:00am to 12:00pm prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Paul can be made to the Closer to Free Fund at Smilow Cancer Hospital, checks payable to Closer to Free. Please include a note on the memo line that the gift is in memory of Paul Cerruto and mail to YNHH Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508