Elio A. Ascani

Jaffrey, New Hampshire

Elio A. Ascani, 75, formerly of Ridgecrest Road in Jaffrey died at his daughters home in Westford, MA on Thursday, February 12, 2009 surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Elio was born on June 4, 1933 in Jaffrey, New Hampshire. He was the youngest of 8 children of the late Enrico and Zelinda (Frulla) Ascani. He was a 1951 graduate of Conant High School where he had enjoyed playing Basketball.

Elio married Florence Santangelo on September 1, 1957. Together they lived in Jaffrey in the home Elio had built himself. They were beloved members of this community. He was a devoted husband to Florence and attended to her every need.

Elio had worked for almost 30 years at Peterborough Basket Company. Through the years, he had become the Plant Manager and was in charge of Manufacturing and Design. In 1984, he founded the Ashwood Basket Company in Jaffrey and operated the business until retiring in 2000. Since his retirement, Elio continued to be active and was working at Belletetes in Jaffrey and at the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough until becoming ill.

Elio was an avid downhill skier and had loved to dance, especially at the Sunshine Pavilion at the lake in Jaffrey. He enjoyed watching and cheering for all of the New England Sports Teams, but his favorites were the Patriots and the Red Sox. Elio was a communicant of St. Patrick Church in Jaffrey.

Elio was preceded in death by his sister Islina Pilewicz and his brothers Duvglio, Severino, Romolo and Dino.

Elio is survived by his daughter Carla M. Mehlhorn of Westford, Mass; his son Joseph M. Ascani of Jaffrey, his four grandchildren, Alexa, Nicholas and Christina Mehlhorn of Westford, Mass and Courtney Ascani of Jaffrey; his sister Margiorina Gauthier of Jaffrey and his brother Margiorino Sharkey Ascani of Bow, NH; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Merrimack Valley Hospice, 360 Merrimack Street, Building #9, Lawrence, MA 01843

Spring Burial will be in St. Patrick Cemetery in Jaffrey.

Family and friends are warmly invited to calling hours on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 5:00 to 7:00PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home Cremation Center, 33 River Street, (Route 202) Jaffrey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM in St. Patrick Church, 89 Main Street, Jaffrey. Rev. Wilfred Deschamps, Pastor, will be the celebrant.