Anthony J. DeMaio, Jr.

Anthony James DeMaio, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, January 31, 2016 after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of the late Marie Landino DeMaio. Tony was born on November 16, 1930 in Hamden, son of the late Anthony J. DeMaio, Sr., beloved stepfather Vincent DeCaprio & mother Rachel Grace DeCaprio. He was a graduate of Hamden High School, class of 1950, and received his teaching certificate from Central Connecticut State University in 1996. Upon graduation from high school, he began his work career as an auto mechanic at Setaro motors in New Haven where he worked for 19 years. In 1969 Tony became owner of Bill's Esso (Exxon) where he remained owner until he purchased Montowese Auto Sales and Repair in 1982. Shortly thereafter and at the age of 55 he began his second career as a vocational automotive teacher at Wilbur Cross High School where he was affectionately known as 'Mr. D.'. Tony truly loved his teaching career and was a mentor to hundreds of students over the span of 30 years. Tony was beyond generous, hard working, and tough with a great sense of humor, but his soft spot was for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Tony was a founding member of the Church of the Ascension, where he was actively involved in the Men's Club and was a head usher. He was also a member of the Hamden Italian American Club, and Sacred Heart Academy Father's Club. Tony had a natural gift for knowing how to build, fix and maintain just about anything. He was also known as Mr. Fix-it, Pop, Poppy, and 'Junie.' He is survived by his children, Cheryl (Keith) Lombardo of Plainville, David (Pamela) DeMaio of Guilford, Denise (George) Hindinger, and Kristen (Jeffrey) Lendroth all of Hamden; his grandchildren, Mark & James DeMaio, Rachel & William Hindinger, Jessica DeMaio, Brian Horvath, Brittany & Joe De Angelo, Matthew & Tina Lendroth; two great-grandchildren, Jason and Adalyn. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sister, Frances Kiwanis and a brother, Joseph DeMaio and his beloved dog Emily. Funeral from BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Friday, February 5th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Church of the Ascension, 1050 Dunbar Hill Rd, Hamden at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with his family on Thursday evening from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent to the Paralyzed Veterans, New England Chapter, 1600 Providence Highway, suite 143, Walpole, MA 02081, or Half Way Home Rescue Animal Shelter, c/o Pet Smart, 400 Universal Drive, North Haven, CT 06473.