Andrew Pace

Andrew Pace, 88 of Avon, CT, formerly of Torrington, CT peacefully passed away at his home on Saturday August 27, 2016.  He was the loving husband of the late Carmelina (Bruno) Pace for 59 years.

Andy was born on March 4, 1928, in Torrington, CT to the late Antonio and Jenny Pace.  He spent most of his life in Torrington, graduating from Torrington High School in 1946.  After serving in the US Marines at the end of World War II, he entered the University of CT, graduating in 1953.  He began his career at The International Silver Company, rising to the role of National Sales Manager.  In 1976, he started his own firm, Colonial Marketing, at which he was active until the age of 79.

Andy was a tireless advocate for the youth of Torrington.  Among his many endeavors were years of coaching Little League baseball and youth basketball, but his greatest was his involvement in the Torrington Varsity Alumni Club.  He was active in the club in many leadership roles for over 60 years, and was one of the driving forces in the club's scholarship program for high school athletes; a program that over 40 years has awarded several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships.  For his dedication and contribution to the youth of Torrington, Andy was recognized at various times as Man of the Year by the UNICO Club, the Elks, the Police Athletic League and the Varsity Alumni Club.

Andy was also an avid golfer and a member of the Torrington Country Club for over 60 years, as well as a lifetime member of the Elks, and served in leadership positions at both organizations.  As a UConn graduate, he was an enthusiastic supporter of UConn athletics, especially the men's and women's basketball programs, and was in attendance for 3 of the men's NCAA championship wins.  Above all, however, Andy was extremely dedicated to his family, both immediate and extended.  He was happiest when involved with them.  He adored his seven grandchildren and was a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews.  In addition to his grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, he leaves behind his children, Drew Pace and his wife Sue of Hingham, MA, David Pace and his wife Tracy of Hingham, MA, Tammy Fucci and her husband Guy of Old Saybrook, CT, and Karen Kane and her husband Don of West Hartford, CT, as well as his sisters Dena O'Brien, Margaret Santora, and Mary Kakowski. He was predeceased by his brothers Leonard and Daniel Pace.

Services will be held on Saturday September 3, 2016, with the cortege leaving at 10:30 a.m. from Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St, Torrington, to St. Peter Church, 107 East Main St, Torrington for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.  Entombment will follow at St. Peter Mausoleum.  Relatives and friends may call on Friday September 2, 2016 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Cook Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Torrington Varsity Alumni Club, c/o Paul Denza, 60 Wheeler Lane, Torrington, CT 06790.  Condolences may be sent to the Pace family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com.