Henry Pace

Enrico "Henry" Pace, affectionately known as Ric, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on September 29, 2024, following a short illness, with his family by his side. Born on February 11, 1942, in Pratola Peligna, Province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo Italy, Enrico lived a life that epitomized the American dream.

At the age of 15, after losing his father in World War II, Enrico courageously immigrated to the United States. He embraced his new country by learning English, finishing his education and joining the U.S. Army. Enrico's proficiency in several languages made him a valuable asset during his service in Germany.

After leaving the Army, Enrico met the love of his life, Karen. They settled in Vernon, Connecticut, where they would share 57 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they raised a beautiful family.

Following his honorable discharge, Henry opened M&M Pizzeria in Manchester, Connecticut. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to offer one of the first pizza delivery services in the area, making M&M Pizzeria a local institution.

While raising a family, Enrico furthered his education and took a role at Pratt & Whitney in the precision machining department. He concluded his career working for the State of Connecticut Department of Correctional Enterprises.

Enrico was also an avid gardener. He cherished his tomato plants, which he meticulously cultivated from seeds he brought from his hometown, sharing this tradition with his family. In addition to his love for gardening, Enrico also revived the process of making wine, a beloved family tradition from Italy. His love for the earth and growing things was a testament to his nurturing spirit, and as such, Enrico was a second father to many, always offering wisdom, support, and love to those around him.

Summers were special times for Enrico, filled with warm memories of beach vacations at his second home in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He was a pillar of the Pratolana Mutual Benefit Society, where he shared countless moments with paisans who hailed from his beloved Italy.

Enrico is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Pace and his sons, Michael (Colleen), Marcello (Colleen) and Matthew (Michelle). He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Michaela, David, Colin, Nicholas, Jaxson, and Gianna and his great-grandson, Henry. He is also survived by his dear sisters, Josephine Tanner (Mark) and Rita Mixer (Alan); sister-in-law, Sandy Mielczarek (Tom), along with many nieces and nephews. Enrico was predeceased by his son Enrico Jr., his mother Erminia, his father Giuseppe and stepfather Nicola.

Enrico "Henry" Pace's life was a tapestry of resilience, love, dedication, and community. He touched many lives through his work, his garden, his culinary delights, and his unwavering support for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed, but the love he shared and the legacy he left will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

A Celebration of Enrico's life will be held on Friday, October 4 at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard Wethersfield, with calling hours from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. concluding with a Service at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Park, Rocky Hill. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Enrico’s memory be made to the American Lung Association, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. To share a memory of Enrico, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com