Beloved, Long-Time Milford Restaurant, Banquet Hall To Close

MILFORD, CT — On Aug. 1, 2019 half of the heart of Costa Azzurra Restaurant, Sebastiano "Benny" Faustini, 54, died. Since Faustini's sudden death, his wife, Antoinette and his children have been working overtime to keep the landmark Milford restaurant in business.

And this weekend, Faustini's daughter, Brianna, announced that the iconic restaurant and banquet hall at 72 Broadway on the West Shore of Milford will close for good on Dec. 22, after 47 years in business.

Brianna wrote, "As you know, I lost my father back in August unexpectedly. Another thing that won’t be in the new year is our family business, Costa Azzurra Restaurant. This is one of the few places that I can feel my dad's energy. Where we shared laughs, where he cooked my friends and I amazing dinners, where I watched the waves crash, and where I also watched him make delicious meals and he made it look easy while doing it.

"My mom so bravely took on this business on her own full force. The day my dad passed my mom has been at that restaurant everyday, not giving her a chance to even grieve. It is not the same without my dad present, one person running the show is simply not enough. My dad put his blood, sweat and tears into this place. Although I resented him always working I knew why he did it... for us. This place holds so many memories."

It’s weird that this chapter is closing but we are looking forward to this fresh start that my family desperately needs. I can only pray that 2020 is good to my family," Briana wrote.

Costa Azzurra Restaurant has been known throughout New England for fresh Italian Seafood and featuring an extravagant venue for weddings and banquets on "our beautiful waterfront property overlooking Long Island Sound." Costa Azzurra represents three generations of Faustini Family owning and running the business.

"Benny was selfless, always thinking of others before himself. Benny's laugh filled any room, and his smile made any light look dim. Benny and his family proudly operated the Costa Azzurra Restaurant in Milford for over 4(7) years, where he touched so many. Whether it was a strong drink, a good meal or a helping hand, everyone could always count on Benny," according to his obituary via the Cody-White Funeral Home.

The currently owners thanked everyone for their "friendship and patronage."

The news was greeted with sadness from long-time customers. Milford state Rep. Kathleen Kennedy wrote, "This is a photo I will cherish. Bennie and Antoinette (your mom & dad) are two of the kindest most giving people I have had the pleasure of meeting more than 25 years ago. I wish the best to all of you. God bless."

Kimberly Dillon Owens wrote, "Our two oldest daughters have worked at this “family” restaurant for years, they were never judged and were treated like family. They were devastated when hearing of Benny’s passIng and were right there to help with anything !! They both felt appreciated and feel Antoinette DeVellis Faustini is more like a sister than a boss. Antoinette you have given this your all, we wish you only the best."

Tracy Kolarich wrote, "Brianna, My husband and I got married 23 years ago and had our reception at Costa Azzurra. We walked in multiple times and many many years later and your dad always remembered us. He would greet us by name, ask us about our lives and look at pictures of our kids. He was a treasure. How blessed you were to have him as yours."