Irving Nixon

Irving Benedict Nixon Sr., brought first Carvel to Naugatuck, CT.

Irving Benedict Nixon Sr. 92, passed away with his loved ones by his side on April 12, 2015. He was the husband of the late Lillian (Torwich) Nixon.

Irving was born in Waterbury on May 10, 1922 son of the late John and Madeline (Welton) Nixon he served in the US Navy during World War II.

He was quite the entrepreneur. He started construction with his father building several homes including three in Block Island, Rhode Island. In 1953 he built and owned the first Carvel in Naugatuck, CT and later built his second franchise in Watertown, CT. He sold franchises, built several stores and trained owners. He was also a Diamond Distributor for Amway. He owned several businesses in New York City and in his later years he was a top salesman at Avent Advertising Co. in NYC where he retired at 84 years old.

Mr. Nixon was a loving father and grandfather. He loved animals, was an avid golfer with an eight handicap and enjoyed traveling. His travels included fifty one cruises and many trips to Florida and Bahamas. Irv loved the casino, fine dining, playing the harmonica and doing impersonations often performing at restaurants. Most of all he had  a great sense of humor, loved life and making people laugh.

Irv and his family appreciated all the great care that everyone from “Where the Heart Is“ and Oxford VNA gave. Thank you all.

Irving is survived by one son, Irving Nixon Jr., two daughters, Madeline Polman of Naugatuck and Teena Nixon of New Preston. He is also survived by two brothers, Howard Nixon of Woodbury and Kevin Nixon of Southbury, also one sister Ann Carmody of Naugatuck. He is predeceased by four brothers, David, Emmit, John and Richard and one sister Mary Schank. One grandson Bryan Nixon of Naugatuck, three granddaughters, Jacqueline Tribanas of Naugatuck, Bianca Davis of Virginia and Frances Simon-Nixon of Middlebury and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 25, 2015 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Naugatuck Valley Memorial-Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home, 240 N Main St, Naugatuck, CT 06770 with a service at 11:30 am.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Connecticut Community Care, Inc.

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