Alexander Paolini

Alexander 'Harpo' Paolini, 78, of Stafford Springs, CT, passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at Johnson Memorial Hospital, Stafford Springs, CT. He was born in Stafford Springs, CT, son of the late Tomaso and Henrietta (Negro) Paolini. Al was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and the longtime owner and operator (from 1967 to present) of Backus Motors, Inc. in Stafford Springs, CT. He was a member of St. Edward Parish, former member of the Stafford Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow recipient, former member of the Stafford Board of Education, and honorary lifetime member of the Italian Benefit Society. He was also an avid golfer, having made three holes-in-one. Al is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Norma J. (Bastarache) Paolini; his two children, Thomas A. Paolini and Maryellen Finch; five grandchildren, Linda, Lori, and Tony Paolini, and Jenna and Kristen Finch, all of Stafford Springs, CT; a sister, Anita Bradley of Stafford Springs, CT; two sisters-in-law and their husband, Elaine and Peter Piccoli, and Carolyn and Jack O'Konis, all of Stafford Springs, CT; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Robert Bradley; and a nephew, Dennis O'Konis. His funeral will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008, with a procession forming by 9 A.M. at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. at St. Edward Church, High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT. Calling hours are on Wednesday from 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the Alexander Paolini Fund, Citizens' Scholarship Foundation of Stafford, c/o Rose Roszczewski, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT 06076, St. Edward School Memorial Fund, 6 Benton St., Stafford Springs, CT 06076, or to Home and Community Health Services, Hospice Program, 140 Hazard Ave., P.O. Box 1199, Enfield, CT 06083. For online condolences or directions, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com