John Albert Contegni

John Albert Contegni, 98, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025 while surrounded by his family.

Mr. Contegni was born on October 4, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY; a son of the late Guerrino and Anna (Parmigiani) Contegni.

Mr. Contegni grew up in Queens, and attended New York Public Schools. Upon graduation from high school, he went on to attend MIT to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering with emphasis on Building Engineering and Construction. He graduated in 3 years and went on to work for Fuller Construction Company from 1947 to 1951.

From 1951 through 1954, during outbreak of the Korean War, he served in active duty in the US Navy. He attended OCS at Newport, R.I. and eventually became a Lieutenant overseeing ship construction, repair and conversion. He finished his service at the Bureau of Ships in Washington, DC.

After completing his Naval service, he joined Pavarini Construction Co. where he worked from 1954 to 1996. He retired in December 1996 as President and Chief Operating Officer and member of the Board of Directors.

He was happily married twice. His first marriage was to Shirley Gnade from 1956 to 1974 when she passed away. They had 4 daughters together. His second marriage was to Madeline Venezia Fitzgerald from 1977 to the present. She had 5 sons from her first marriage in which her husband passed away. They were happily married up until his peaceful death.

Mr. Contegni was a faithful member of Saint Mary’s Church. He was actively involved in many organizations and an active volunteer.

He was a Knight of Malta, Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Board member for Religious Education at Sacred Heart University, member of the Advisory Board at Saint Camillus Health Care Center; and active as a Parish Council Member at Star of the Sea in Stamford. He was a Eucharistic Minister, and worked with Catholic Charities and the Homeless Ministry at St Patrick's Church, Palm Beach, FL.

Upon retirement he loved to travel through Europe with Madeline; wintering in Florida and spending time with his many children and grandchildren.

Mr. Contegni is survived by his wife, Madeline (Venezia) Contegni as well as his children Cheryl and Chet Atkins, Adrienne Gallo (predeceased), Karen Contegni, Elizabeth and Tom Favazzo; Jim and Lilla Fitzgerald, Brian and Ceile Fitzgerald, Mark and Andre Fitzgerald, Neil and Shelly Fitzgerald, and Stephen and Jackie Fitzgerald. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren as well as 13 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Contegni was predeceased by his first wife Shirley and daughter Adrienne.

Family and friends will be received on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary’s Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment with US Navy funeral honors will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.

Contributions in Mr. Contegni’s memory may be made to RVNA Health and Hospice.