Funeral Arrangements Announced for Retired Stamford Police Chief Louis DeCarlo

From Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home.

Louis A. DeCarlo, 71, of Stamford, entered into eternal rest on Thursday June 12, 2014.

Lou was born in Stamford on May 29, 1943, a son of the late Daniel and Carmela Calabrese DeCarlo. 

Born in Stamford, Lou grew up in Elmsford and Purchase, NY where he worked for his family's business, DeCarlo's Greenhouses. After joining the Air National Guard, he moved back to Stamford upon marrying his wife Fran in 1965 where they started their family. Lou became an officer with the Stamford Police Department in 1972. He served an honorable 32 years on the force where he worked his way up through the ranks from patrolman to Sergeant to Lieutenant followed by Deputy Chief and ultimately retiring as Chief in 2004. His family is proud of his many accomplishments during his tenure with the S.P.D. 

Lou had many names from Guido to Chief and, of course, Daddy. However, his most cherished name was Pop. Lou was the ultimate family man. He was a doting father and loving husband and he gave new meaning to the role of grandfather. To say he was the best father a girl could ask for is surely an understatement of the father he was. He loved his work as a policeman but his favorite job, by far, was caring for his grandchildren. Sophia, Tristan and Olivia were the light of his life and he theirs. 

Lou was a 30 year member, and one of the originators, of The Good Times Golf League. He enjoyed his time on the golf course and working to improve his game. Lou was blessed with a wonderful group of friends with whom he shared many adventures.

Lou will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his kindness and generosity and for the warm, friendly smile he was always willing to give. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. 

Lou is survived by his loving wife Fran Sinaguglia DeCarlo, his beloved daughters; Laura Neilson and her husband David of Stratford, Nicole Mahady and her husband Steve of New Milford, his beloved grandchildren, Sophia, Tristan and Olivia; his brother Franklin DeCarlo of Boca Raton, FL and his sister Lucy Scaturchio and her husband Joe of Stamford. Lou’s aunt; Marie Scimi, his in-laws; Joe and Gloria Sinaguglia and Frank and Ruth Sinaguglia, as well as several well-loved nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, Lou is predeceased by his brother-in-law Michael Conetta and his sister-in-law Barbara DeCarlo. 

A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, on Wednesday, June 18, at 10:15 a.m. and proceed to Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Ave., Stamford, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John’s RC Cemetery, Darien.

Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday June 17, from 2 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Lou’s name to the Katie Fontneau Scholarship Fund, c/o Stamford Police Association, 805 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06901.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.