Kenneth D. Fernino

Kenneth D. Fernino of West Hartford Connecticut passed away unexpectedly on January 26, 2019, just three days before his eighty-fourth birthday. Kenneth was born in Hartford the son of the late Daniel E. Fernino, Sr. and Elvira Juliano Fernino. He was predeceased by his brothers Dominic Pallotti and Alfred and Daniel Fernino, Jr. He leaves a very devoted and loving sister, Danielle Fernino, his much loved and devoted companion Patricia Pagani, a loving niece Paula Fernino Cornell and a nephew Stephen Fernino of Newington. Kenneth attended Hartford Schools and graduated in 1953 from Hartford Public High School. He went to Fordham University to receive his undergraduate degree. After college he was employed by the Aetna Insurance Company, while attending night school at the University of Connecticut School of Law. He received his J.D. in 1965. He was always a dedicated student and passed the Connecticut Bar exam the very first time he took it. His family was exceedingly proud of this accomplishment. Kenneth had a private practice in East Hartford and longer in Hartford. He was a very ethical lawyer and helped guide his clients well. Even after his retirement he was known to help others. Kenneth was an especially talented piano player, mostly self-taught. He was an automobile enthusiast, having been fascinated with cars since he was a young kid in Hartford, though in his lifetime he only purchased one brand new car. The others were nicely used cars he took great care to preserve, just as he did any item he ever bought. He was quite a fixer and enjoyed preserving items he loved. Kenneth once joked that he could fit his friends into a phone booth, but this was untrue. His lifetime buddy Lloyd Schaffhauser was like a brother to him. David Farrah and the Farrah family were fond of Kenneth, Shawn Hoar knew and admired Kenneth as did many others. He made new friends with whom he had coffee almost daily. There were many others who brightened his life, and they knew and know who they are. These friends were true gifts that Kenneth greatly appreciated. He was a loyal and true friend and a somewhat rare individual who never would waiver from his principles for any amount of material gain. He was a communicant of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. He believed in his religion and had great faith, a truly fine man. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and he will always be remembered in the depths of their hearts. May you now be with the Almighty, Kenneth. You lived a meaningful, well lived life. His Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, February 6, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Kenneth’s name may be made to CT Public, ATTN: Audience Care, 1049 Asylum Ave., Hartford, CT 06105