Samuel Nicholas Mirliani

Samuel Nicholas Mirliani, 92 of Farmington, husband of Jeanne Ellen Matson Mirliani, died Sunday, December 05, 2004, at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington. Sam was born in New Britain, CT on January 1, 1912. He was the son of Antonio and Maria Zoccoli Mirliani who immigrated to the United States in 1908 from Italy. Sam attended local schools and graduated from New Britain High School. An excellent athlete in many sports during High School, he was awarded a football and basketball scholarship to Niagara University. Unable to complete college due to heavy family responsibilities, Sam served his country during World War II as a manufacturing specialist at New Britain Machine. He was employed at Fenn Manufacturing, until his retirement in 1977. An avid golfer all of his life, Sam ran a golf driving range in Plainville and soon fell in love with the gal across the street. Sam and Jeanne were married in New Britain on December 8, 1951. Besides his wife Jeanne, Sam is survived by his son Mark J. Mirliani of West Hartford; his daughter, Marilyn J. Mirliani Lopata and her husband Thomas Lopata of South Windsor; grandchildren Marisol Lozefski, Joshua, Kelsey and Adrian Lopata; his brothers Vincent Romeo and wife Jane of Farmington, and Armand Romeo and wife Barbara of Old Lyme; and nieces and nephews Judy, Marie, Marge, Fred and Jerry Mirliani, Donna and Lori Romeo, and Chris, Alex, Susan and Leslie Romeo. Sam was also great uncle to twelve grandnieces and grandnephews. Sam was predeceased by his brother Frederick S. and wife Marge Lennehan Mirliani in 1996 and 2000 respectively. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St. Berlin. Burial will be held privately in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday today from 7-9 PM at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 S. Main St., New Britain. Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill St. Berlin, CT 06037