Clayton Felix Barton

Clayton Felix Barton, 90, of Hamden, CT passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013. Born in Worcester, MA on June 3, 1923 to Felix and Eva (Mayo) Barton, he graduated from St John's High School in 1942 and The College of the Holy Cross in 1948, after completing service in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946, including service in the European Theater as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 377th Infantry Regiment. He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Marita Gruber Barton, and was the loving father to his children Theresa and Keith Gregory, Beverly and Michael Santora, Frank and Ann Mianzo, James Barton, Janet and Duane Beale, Thomas Mianzo, Robert Barton and Barbara Mianzo, the beloved Pap Pap to his grandchildren, Andrea Gregory, Nathan Gregory, Kimberly Santora, Melissa (Santora) and Mark Burlison, Tiffany Santora, Matthew Beale, David and Kellan Beale, Stephen Beale, Elizabeth Beale, Hanna Mianzo, Anthony Mianzo, and Robert Barton, and his great grandchildren, Kyle Gregory, Stella Burlison, Michael Beale and Josephine Beale. He was also predeceased by his second wife, Rita Champagne, and is survived by his step family, Patricia and John Reed, their daughter, Jill, and three grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by his companion Marie Matthew. Clayton was a devoted and active member of the Church of St Rita in Hamden for 50 years, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, member of the Parish Council, Lector, and teaching CCD and CYO. He was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He moved to Wallingford, CT and later to North Haven, CT when he began a 30 year career as an educator at Hamden High School, retiring in 1984 as Chairman of the Science Department. During this time and afterwards he taught evenings at Southern Connecticut State University and was an active member of the CT Science Teachers Association. Funeral from BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN, Monday morning Dec. 16 at 8:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St.. Rita Church at 9 am. Friends may visit with his family on Sunday from 3-7 pm. Interment with Military Honors in St. Mary's Cemetery. Contributions can be made to the charity of your choice in his name.