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John Pusateri, 87, Owner of Fairfield Painters

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- John R. Pusateri, a former Fairfield resident, died June 9 at the age of 87. He served in World War II and later, through his business, became known as “John the Painter.”

Pusateri was born June 2, 1924, in Scranton, Pa. He worked in his family’s produce distribution business until World War II. He served in the 739th Medium Tank Battalion in the Rhineland and Central Europe and was awarded a number of honors, including the Victory and Good Conduct Medals.

After the war, he married his wife of 61 years, Betty. In 1956, they moved their family to Fairfield, where he started his painting business, going under the name Fairfield Painters for 55 years.

Outside of his work, Pusateri was a devoted parishioner at St. Pius X Church in Fairfield since its founding. He was also an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 9427, and American Legion Post 74 and enjoyed weekly poker nights with his fellow members. Pusateri was also an avid racing fan, often attending events in Indianapolis, the Poconos, Lime Rock and Saratoga Springs.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, are his children, John Pusateri and his wife, Clare, of Beacon Falls, Daniel Pusateri and his fiancé, Mary Elizabeth Bakunin, of Stamford, Susan Pusateri of Milford, Patricia Mangone, and her husband, Mark, of Lakeland, Tenn., Pauline Lesko, and her husband, Kevin, of Fairfield; five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass was celebrated June 14 at St. Pius X Church, followed by burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed either to Homes for the Brave, 655 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604, or Connecticut Fallen Heroes Foundation, Inc., 9 Den Bear Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.

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