Donald G. Tozzo

donald tozzo

August 23, 1925 ~ May 20, 2020


Resided in: Hamden, CT

Donald G. Tozzo, 94, of Hamden, passed away on May 20, 2020. Born in New Haven on August 23, 1925 to the late John and Antonette Lavorgna Tozzo, Donald was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his wife of almost 69 years, Eileen Courtney Tozzo; his children, Thomas Tozzo, Donald Tozzo, Nancy Tozzo, and Elaine (Tozzo) Perkins; his grandchildren, Donald & Cailey Tozzo, Shannon & Kristen Perkins, and Brianna Cichocki; and siblings, Shirly and John Tozzo. Predeceased by his infant son and his brother, Howard Tozzo. Donald proudly served his country in the Navy aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Wasp C.V. 18 from 1943 to 1946, mainly in the pacific during WWII. Donald worked at Safety Car (Safety Electric Group, Corp.) for approximately 45 years, starting as a machinist and retiring as a plant superintendent. He liked to bowl and play golf, getting a hole in one at Sleeping Giant. As a young man he played baseball with a local Hamden team and liked to tell a story of being called into a game as a pinch hitter, where, to his surprise, he hit a homerun to win the game. After retirement, Donald did a lot of Wednesday and Friday night cooking at the Elks Lodge #2224. Despite his Italian heritage, his specialty was corned beef and cabbage. It was so successful, that it was repeated every September as a half-way to St. Patrick’s Day event. He was also a member of American Legion post #88. For Donald, Christmas and Easter were two of his favorite times to cook but we can’t forget squash flower season, he’ll take three bags. He always made gingerbread cookies for his grandchildren at Christmas and many grandchildren of Elks’ members benefitted as well. He enjoyed gardening and would put up tomatoes and string beans every year. Donald loved his family and that was returned in so many ways over the years. In the last 3 to 4 years as his health declined and assistance was needed, his family was there. His family would like to give a special shoutout to the caregivers at The Springs at Watermark East Hill in Southbury for their extraordinary care and compassion during this difficult time.
Donald’s private arrangements are in the care of BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden. He will be laid to rest in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the West Haven VA Visual Impairment Unit at www.connecticut.va.gov/giving/ .

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  1. Mrs. Tozzo, Tommy & Family,
    Such a loving story of a life fully lived. La famiglia!
    Peace & blessings.
    Peggy Whelan

  2. My lLove and condolences to Mrs Tozzo and all the children! Tom, Don, Nancy and Elaine You’re mom and dad were a big part of all of us growing up in the neighborhood! What a blessing to have had him in all your lives for so many years. I’m sure he’ll be with all of you in spirit And keeping tabs on who’s cooking at the Elks now!

    With Love,
    Judi

  3. Donald was a true Veteran and always participated in all Hamden’s Veterans activities and was always available when called on to help. He and Eileen were always helping at our functions at the Elks Lodge 2224.
    The Hamden Veterans Commission’s thoughts and prayers are with the family

  4. Deepest sympathy to Mrs T and all the family, Tom, Don, Nancy & Elaine. Your Dad was a great guy. A part of fond memories I have of the old neighborhood. God bless. Be well.

  5. What a beautiful memorial, such a tribute to your father. Sending you my deepest sympathies. His spirit will be with you always.

  6. Eileen, Tom, Don, Nancy and Elaine…….so sorry to hear of my Godfathers passing. I will always remember the fun we had as kids and Eileen how close you and Donald were to my parents. I know Dave and Marion would be saddened to hear this. Best wishes,

    David Melillo

  7. Don was an honest, hard working and dedicated person. You always knew where he stood on any issue and he would listen to another side. He enjoyed cooking for various events and every year, when the Elks Youth Awards Dinner came around, Don would say, “That’s mine!” He was always friendly and good to talk with. Gail and I will miss him; he and Eileen been such an big part of our life in the Hamden Elks.

  8. I only knew Don for a short time but, it was an honor and joy. He was one of smartest and funniest men I’ve ever met. Not to mention great cook. He taught me how to make pasta. He’s missed. Condolences to the entire family.

  9. So sorry for your loss . Don was a great guy , I always enjoyed talking to him at the Elks .
    God Bless , stay safe .

  10. Tom, Don, Nancy, Elaine and Mrs. Tozzo, so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Tozzo, my sincerest condolences. It was always a pleasure to listen to his stories, and always a pleasure to visit all those years ago. Kindest regards.


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