Charlie Coviello, four-time mayoral candidate, paperboy for Bridgeport’s legendary Socialist Mayor Jasper McLevy and a fixture in city politics for the past 40 years, passed away Thursday night from cancer. He was 70.
“One of the best friends I ever had,” said City Councilman Ernie Newton who toiled in the East End political battles with Coviello. “He was a true friend. He never turned his back on me. One of the last people where your word was your bond. They just don’t make people like him anymore.”
In the last week troops of political veterans, local, state and federal, visited Coviello at Bridgeport Hospital where he was under end-of-life treatment.
Fellow Democratic Town Committee member Tony Barr wrote this on his Facebook page:
“Prayers to Charles Coviello family and friends. As well as the people that knew him. He was a beautiful person with respect. My bud rest in peace!”
From Mayor Joe Ganim:
We all feel a great loss by the passing of our friend. Not only did Charlie make many great contributions to the East End and our city, but he always put community first. I’ve known Charlie politically and as a friend for more than thirty years–he was one of a kind, he was the last of his kind, and will certainly be missed.”
From State Rep. Chris Rosario:
Sad day in Bridgeport. Charlie was a man of respect, character and had Bridgeport Running through his veins until the very end. May god bless Charles Coviello, his friends and family. We are going to miss you my friend!
From U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal via News 12 reporter Frank Recchia’s report:
“We are diminished by the loss of this great man,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal. “Charlie was a fighter who spent a lifetime devoting his energies to making Bridgeport better for all of its residents. I am deeply saddened by his passing.”
Coviello who had a real estate background took a position with Ganim’s administration as a zoning inspector last year.
Coviello emerged in city politics when he was hired by then Mayor John Mandanici as director of youth services after Mandanici won the mayoralty in 1975.
He most recently ran for mayor on the New Movement Party line he created in 2015 when Ganim returned to the mayoralty.
Rest In Peace Charlie. You have fought the good fight.
Charlie was the original White Shadow. Teacher, coach and will now join his good friend Spanky in Electoral Heaven.
RIP Charlie,rest now,and thank you for everything you did for our city.
Charlie was never lost for words and why he was the candidate for mayor, it was fun to listen to him, God bless.
Rest in peace Charlie, may God be pleased with your time on earth.
Condolences to all of those that knew him. May his memory be forever a blessing. A very sad day .
Charlie RIP, a very rich man.
Rest now my friend, you were one that made my life a more interesting experience. Thank you for your friendship.
A very good friend !!
Rest In Peace My Dear Brother. I learned a lot from you. One of my closest friends ever, one of 47 years standing. We went through an awful lot together. I feel a hole in my life already. Please keep a place for me, I will look forward to seeing you again.
RIP Charlie. You will be missed.
Sleep well my friend, Charlie a solid Bridgeporter with a heart of gold. He will truly be missed.
Charlie, if only 10% of your great ideas were implemented, by those who should have listened……RIP
He was a very good man. A real asset to Bridgeport. He will be missed.