Frank A. Ristaino

He grew up on Wooster Street surrounded by family and friends. His childhood was spent at his grandmother’s authentic Italian market on Collis Street. He graduated from St. Michael’s School, Notre Dame High School in 1955 and the University of New Haven with an Associate’s Degree in Business in 1957. After a brief career in real estate, he joined his father’s family business, Eastern Electric Supply Inc. of New Haven. His son Anthony joined the family business in 1981 culminating three generations of the family business.

From the earliest days Chick enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling with his family and friends in Lyndonville and later Ludlow, Vermont. Additionally, he enjoyed relaxing at the beach with his wife and family at their homes at Florida and Cape Cod.

Chick, a lifelong hockey fan, who along with his father and later his son never missed a New Haven Blades and New Haven Nighthawks game. The highlight of his love of hockey was when he and his son attended Game 7 when his beloved New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup in 1994.

He is preceded in death by his father Anthony Ristaino, and his mother Philomena (Celio) Ristaino. Chick shared most of his life with the love of his life, his wife, Louise (Console) Ristaino. Chick met Louise as children as their four parents were close family friends. He spent 46 happily married years until her untimely passing in 2005.

He is survived by his son Anthony Ristaino and his wife Julie, and their children Nicholas and Eric of Branford. His daughter Nancy Ristaino Bullis, her husband Brad, and his beloved dog Cassidy of Madison. He is also survived by his grandson Austin Hoag of Guilford. Austin and his ‘Poppy’ shared a very special bond as Chick was instrumental in his upbringing and Austin proudly followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by attending Notre Dame High School. Chick spent several years living with his daughter Nancy, Brad, and Austin where he enjoyed being the life of the party at every opportunity, sharing stories and folklore at family dinners and being the center of attention.

Chick is also survived by his close cousin Victor DeLieto and his wife Robin, the late Robert and Violet Carbone and their family, Paul and Eileen Coppola and their family, and family friend Paula D’Agostino. Chick was a longtime member of the Society of St. Mary Maddalena and had many close friends from the Club as well as the Wooster Square area. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the first-floor staff at Whitney Rehabilitation, Hamden, CT for the care and compassion they showed Chick in his final days.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Madison on October 12, 2024 at 10 AM. There are no calling hours. Interment to follow at West Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Chick’s memory to Brendofest Inc., a 501 c3, a local Connecticut charity dedicated to the betterment of young adults impacted by leukemia and lymphoma. Donations can be made at Brendofest.com or mailed to Brendofest, 41 High St. Higganum, CT 06441