Victor Preato, II

Victor Preato II, age 81, of Torrington, CT, a devoted husband, loving father, inspired inventor, and consummate entrepreneur with a storied life, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. The beloved husband of Dianne (Borelli) Preato for 60 years, Victor Preato leaves behind a legacy of a loving family.

Victor Preato grew up in Torrington, where he would eventually find love, work, and family. Born on April 15, 1939, to Victor and Sara (Pieriboni) Preato, Victor was raised with and by his older sister, Mary (Preato) Wesolowski. Never one to take the easy road, Victor joined the Marines in 1956 and served in the military for two years. Upon exiting the service, Victor encountered the love of his life Dianne "Bonnie" Borrelli at a dance in 1958.

While Victor and Bonnie’s relationship blossomed, Victor heard that road construction workers were needed in Nome, Alaska. He adventured to Alaska, where he sought work and fortune as a construction worker. Not ones to find their love deterred by distance, Victor and Bonnie corresponded through letters over the next year; their longing making their hearts grow fonder. Finding the prospects of warm summers with Bonnie far more enticing than the bitter chill of the Northwest, Victor returned to Connecticut and eventually married Bonnie on September 30, 1961. Their marriage and love for one another would last for 60 years.

Victor found employment and lifelong friends at the Torrington Company, where he worked for 38 years as a Tool and Die Maker. Ever the tinkerer, Victor patented a design for a baseboard conductor humidifier in 1992, and proudly sold his invention at local events. Always social, Victor was at various times a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Torrington Elks Lodge and the Sons of Italy. Victor enjoyed visiting with friends, sharing stories, golfing, boating, skiing, gardening, tinkering, playing cards, and spending time with his loving family.

Victor is survived by his wife Dianne Preato, forever his “Bonnie.” Victor also leaves behind two children: Linda Preato and Victor Preato III; daughter-in-law Kim Preato; sister-in-law Patricia (Borelli) Colangelo; four grandchildren: Jeffrey Dreher and his wife Jennifer, Diana Sziabowski and her husband Justin, Michael Preato, and Victor Preato IV and his wife Faith; five great grandchildren: Theodore Sziabowski, Benjamin Dreher, Isla Sziabowski, Grace Dreher, and Victor Preato V. Victor is predeceased by his sister Mary Wesolowski, who passed in 2018 at age 83, and his brother Senasio Preato.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery with full military honors accorded. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home.  Relatives and friends attending services are reminded to follow CDC recommendations for COVID prevention by social distancing and wearing protective face masks.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sullivan Senior Center, 88 East Albert St., Torrington, CT 06790.  Condolences may be sent to the Preato family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com.