Augusto Annati

Augusto Gus Annati, 71, of Willimantic, beloved husband of Iole Annati, died suddenly at home on Wednesday Jan. 4, 2006. Gus was a resident of Willimantic for 45 years and was a communicant of St. Joseph Parish. He was employed by the American Thread Company for 23 years as a payroll supervisor and then became payroll consultant for Unisource and Rourke-Eno until retiring in 1994. Gus remained active until his final days. He was a member of the Manchester Raquet Club, the Willimantic German Club and the Knight s of Columbus. Gus was an avid soccer fan from a very early age while growing up in Tripoli. In 1973, he was instrumental in the success of the professional soccer team, Connecticut Wildcats. He was honored by the American Red Cross for having donated over 15 gallons of blood from 1967 to 2001. Gus kept in very close contact with a large network of friends from all over the world. Annually, he and Iole would attend reunions in various countries. His hobbies included wine making, gardening, listening to Jazz music, The New York Yankees and socializing over a good hand of Skip-bo played weekly with his Italian friends. Gus was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. In addition to his wife Iole, he is survived by his son and daughter in law, Michael and Judy Annati of Ellington, his daughter and son in law Lorraine and Dennis Oakley of Orlando, FL., his granddaughter Natalia Annati of Manchester, his grandson Graham Oakley of Orlando, FL., his brother Renato Annati of FL. and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Ettore Annati of Willimantic. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Sunday between 2:00 and 5:00pm. His Funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 9:00am at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St., Willimantic with assembly at the church. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Windham. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be made to the Charter Oak Chapter of American Red Cross, 209 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT. 06032, or Masses may be offered at St. Joseph Church in his memory. For online memorials, please visit www.potterfh.com .