Anne Brignolo Hourcle captured bridal radiance. In a 14-room house on Kossuth Street along Washington Park on the East Side, Brignolo’s photographic genius turned her into a city institution. If you were a bride you wanted Brignolo. She passed away last Saturday in the Northwest Continuum of Care at Kindred in Washington State where she had resided since 2009. She was 94.
Her father Bartholomew Brignolo was a pioneering photographer in Bridgeport. He had made the Brignolo name famous specializing in bridal work. Anne carried on the tradition working as a master portrait photographer for 50 years before her retirement in 2009. She was one of the many knowledgeable sources who donated generous amounts of time to me sharing stories about life in Bridgeport throughout the decades.
Graveside services will take place on Monday, February 10, at 1 p.m. in the Lawncroft Cemetery, 1740 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements by the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull. A virtual candle may be lit by visiting www.abriola.com. More here.
I knew Anne. She was a very sweet woman and we served on the historic commission under Mayor Thomas Bucci. She really loved Washington Park and her home was very prominent in the area. It must have been gorgeous in her youth when Bridgeport was a gem and Washington Park was like Wooster Square in New Haven. Rest in Peace, Anne Brignolo.
As far back as I can remember be it going to Dr. Dugas (ouch), Troop 1 (the big White Church on Park/Barnum), Dentist (Dr. Ouchman), the Orcutt boys club or just playing basketball at Washington Park. I would gaze into her display, sometimes see familiar faces and wondering what the story was with others (soldiers, wedding pretty ladies etc.) She was a staple in the neighborhood who never said no to contributing to a candy sale or any activity associated with Washington Park or the historic homes in that area. Rest In Peace Anne Brignolo, you will be missed.
I served with Anne on the Parks Board. She was a dedicated person who loved Bridgeport and the parks. Rest in Peace.
Don’t forget Andrew, she took our wedding photos. She was the best. Rest in Peace, wonderful lady.
Did Anne airbrush Andy?
*** Another Bpt icon that has come and gone, without people ever really knowing “what was here” and the kind of photography work that can never again be duplicated! ***
A prayer for a wonderful neighbor and artist. May she rest in peace. She could make an ordinary mug like mine look like a Filipino movie matinee idol … sitting for a photo session for her took forever, but fun because she was meticulous, demanding and precise in her work. It is one of the most memorable memories I have of living in Bridgeport and being her neighbor in Washington Park from 2003-2009.