Angelo Eugene Dirienzo formerly of Derby and Milford, and most recently of Shelton CT passed away on December 26, 2021. He was born August 21, 1930 to Anthony and Jennie Pasgrove Dirienzo. He was married to his beloved wife, the late Claire Scatolini Dirienzo, for 50 years. Most recently, he was the devoted partner to Joan Greene prior to her death last year. Angelo was a graduate of Derby High School and served in the Army during the Korean War. He received his Bachelor’s degree from New Haven State Teachers College (Southern Connecticut State University). He received his Master’s and Sixth-Year degrees from Fairfield University School of Education and his Doctorate from the University of Connecticut.
While pursuing his education and raising a family, Angelo was a teacher, then principal and then Superintendent of Schools in Derby. He served as Superintendent of Schools in Derby for more than 15 years then served as Superintendent in Oxford and Sherman Connecticut. He received numerous accolades and awards for his strong and inspirational leadership in the school districts. He was an active member and volunteer for St. Mary’s Church in Derby, the United Way campaigns, Vice-Chair of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Planning Council, Derby Library, Chairman of the Derby-Shelton Community Chest, CT Association of Public-School Employees, American Red Cross, Derby Savings Bank board member, and board member and Chairman of Griffin Hospital. In his retirement he traveled extensively, golfed, and continued to consult whenever asked by friends and colleagues.
Dr. Dirienzo was the devoted father of Ronald R. Dirienzo and his wife, Victoria of North Granby, Robert A. Dirienzo and his wife, Christina of Nashville, Tennessee, Russell J. Dirienzo of Roxbury, and John S. Dirienzo and his wife, Kelly of Arlington, Mass. Dr. Dirienzo was the loving grandfather to Rachel, Jessica, Robert Jr., Ronald, Ryan, Raisa, Ashley, Sabina, Russell, John, and Joseph and great-grandfather to Raeden, Liam and Leonardo. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his three brothers, John, Anthony and Charles.
Dr. Dirienzo ’s family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT. Masks are required to attend the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 6, 2022 in St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth Street, Derby, CT 06418 or the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be offered to the family at www.adzimafh.com.
