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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Constantine Vanghele of Bridgeport died June 27. He was 91.
Vanghele was born May 8, 1923, to Pandu and Vasila Vangheli in Korce, Albania. He arrived in the United States May 4, 1949 from Italy and settled in Bridgeport. From 1950 to 1980, he studied various foreign languages, attending the Institute of World Affairs in Salisbury, Middlebury College, the University of Connecticut, River College in New Hampshire, the University of Massachusetts, the University of Bridgeport, University of Barcelona in Spain, Fairfield University, and the University of Perugia, Italy.
In 1951, he was employed by Radio Free Europe, as a translator, speaker, and script writer at the Albanian Desk in New York City. From 1954 to 1961, he worked for the National Committee for a Free Albania, a political organization. Beginning in 1961 and for 29 years, he was a teacher of foreign languages, at Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield, where he was also the school's soccer coach for many seasons. He was a member of the St. George Albanian Orthodox Church and the St. Dimitrie Romanian Orthodox Church. He was a former president and retired member of the Benevolent Society Of Farsarotul.
Vanghele is survived by is sons, four daughter-in-laws, and four grandchildren: Thomas (Janice) Vanghele, of New York City, Alexander (Patty) Vanghele, of Bridgeport, Dino Vanghele, of Bridgeport, Nicholas (Susan) Vanghele; and four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren; niece, Sophie Fatsi Cashavelly (James) of Trumbull. He was predeceased by his mother; sister, Caterina Vangheli Fatsi; and brother, Thoma.
Calling hours are Monday, June 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road in Fairfield Center. Services will be held Tuesday, July 1 at St. George Albanian Orthodox Church, Main St., Trumbull, directly at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Mountain Grove of Easton Cemetery.
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