Gene Rudolph Sarra Jr.

Gene Rudolph Sarra, Jr, 91, husband of Barbara Jean (Graziano) Sarra, since 1957 of New Britain passed away on February 18, 2023 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut after a brief illness with family by his side.

Gene was born November 8, 1931 in Rocky Hill, CT to the late Gene & Lucy (Marino) Sarra previously residing in Rocky Hill, CT. He is predeceased by his brothers Alfred and Richard and sister, Lorraine. He reminisced often and spoke fondly of his young life living on Glastonbury Avenue in Rocky Hill and his adventures with his brothers down by the Rocky Hill Ferry. He began accordion lessons when he was a small child and continued to play beautiful music throughout his life. Gene attended night school at the University of Hartford, under the GI Bill, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering. He worked for the next thirty years as an electrical engineer and also taught engineering classes at the University of Hartford. He retired in the late 90s to spend more time with his beloved grandchildren and continued to consult for several years.

Gene served in the Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey and Camp Jordan, Georgia. He was a High Speed Radio Operator initially but was promoted to an Instructor in High Speed Radio. He served honorably from 1953-1954 in the 9th Infantry Division and received the National Defense Service Medal during the Korean War.

Gene married Barbara in 1957 and they settled in their one and only home together in New Britain where they lovingly raised their three daughters Ann Marie Salerno (Michael Salerno), Katharine Boucher (Chuck Boucher) and Nancy Sarra (Michael Halloran). Gene and Barbara believed deeply in family first as they raised their three daughters to be independent, loving women. Sunday was always a family day where the extended family met for lunch and a possible game of bocci at Nana’s or Grandma’s house. This tradition continues to this day of extended family coming together.

Beginning in 1985 Gene was blessed with nine wonderful grandchildren who were the center of his world. He was a devoted and loving Papa and each and every one of them held a special place in his heart: Emily, Gina, Matthew, Michael, Christopher, Nicholas, Patrick, Christina and Mollie. There wasn’t a day that Papa wasn’t driving to their school events, all sporting events, competitions, dance recitals, various musical concerts and dance recitals. Papa was their number one fan in everything they did. In his spare time, he loved listening to, and playing along on his accordion, to big band music, the Rat Pack and music of the 30s and 40s. He found friendship and camaraderie at the Senior Centers in Rocky Hill, Wethersfield and Newington where he was known to play a mean game of setback.

He was blessed to be a witness to the next generation of great grandchildren as they entered this world. While we will miss him dearly, his legacy of family, devotion and hard work will live on for generations to come.

The Sarra Family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Arbor Rose in New Britain where Gene made his home for the last few years. In addition, our gratitude to the HHC Hospice staff for their kindness and attentiveness during Gene’s final days.

Funeral services will be Friday, February 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at New Britain Memorial & Donald D. Sagarino Funeral home at 444 Farmington Avenue, New Britain. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation hours will be Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 4:00-7:00p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers in his memory, donations to the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Sarra Halloran Family Scholarship Fund may be made so that our future generations can benefit and thrive. https://cfgnb.org/sarra-halloran-family-scholarship-fund/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewBritainSagarino.com for the Sarra family.