Dolores and Frederick (Minelli) Pretak

Fred passed away January 10, 2017, peacefully, at Valerie Manor surrounded by his family.  His wife, Dolores peacefully passed away 19 hours later, January 11, 2017, at Valerie Manor, also surrounded by their family. They were married for 63 years.  The family would like to thank everyone at Valerie Manor for their wonderful care and support at this difficult time.

Cookie and Dolores are survived by their three daughters and their husbands: Geri and Peter Cifaldi of Winsted, Candace and Roger LaFleur of Canton, Lori and John Eschenbrenner of Canton; their grandchildren P.J. and Lana Cifaldi, Dina and Eric Cadrain, Leah and Lauren Eschenbrenner; Jason LaFleur and Danielle Biaglowy; great grandchildren, Cristian and Julianna Cifaldi, Gia Cadrain, Hunter and Qwynne LaFleur.

Remembering Fred… Born May 6, 1930, in Torrington, CT, he was the son of the late Stephen and Estelle (Viscuis) Pretak.  At the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army.  His second hitch was during the Korean War.  After serving for our country, he attended the Whitney School of Art.  He was one of the original owners of Rite Way Sign Company, then went on to own Don Neon Sign Company in Waterbury.  A talented artist and sign painter, he did charity work for many organizations including the Jimmy Fund and the Torrington Christmas Village.  His passion for fishing has carried on through his children and grandchildren.  He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and the NY Giants.  He self-published a book on spirituality and one of his poems was nationally published.  He will be dearly missed by his family.

In addition to his parents, Cookie was preceded in death by his brother Stephen.  He is survived by his sisters, Charlotte Carroll, Terri Mattola and his brothers, Tom Pretak and Bob Pretak and many nieces and nephews.

Remembering Dolores…. Born June 21, 1932, Dolores was the daughter of the late Felix and Lucy (Marciano) Minelli.  Dolores was a stay-at-home Mom that dedicated her life to her three daughters.  She volunteered for many organizations in her community.  She loved dancing from ballroom to belly-dancing to country line dancing.  She always had a pot of coffee brewing and welcomed everyone into her home.

In addition to her parents, Dolores was preceded in death by her sisters Josephine Mainella, Carmella Schaller and brother Felix (Sonny) Minelli.  Dolores is survived by her brother, Richard Minelli and many nieces and nephews.

In their retirement years, they enjoyed their trips to Cape Cod where they enjoyed shopping and walking the beaches.  Both Fred and Dolores were strong believers in Christ and their house of prayer was their home. 

Calling hours for Mr. and Mrs. Pretak will be held at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington Saturday, January 21, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  Military Final Honors will be accorded to Mr. Pretak’s family at the conclusion of the calling hours, at 11:30 a.m. at Cook Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at www.jdrf.org   Condolences may be sent to the Pretak family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com

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