Eugene Diotalevi 78 of Ft. Myers, Florida and Ansonia, CT entered into eternal rest on May 27, 2014.
He is survived by his adored wife of nearly 58 years, Virginia (Jeanne) Frattalone Diotalevi, beloved children David (Janet Mohr) Diotalevi of Crestline, CA, Donna (Robert) Hayden of Derby, CT, Thomas (Linda) Diotalevi of Naugatuck, CT, & Robert Diotalevi of Ansonia, CT, a sister, Mary Ann (Paul) Parphan & sister-in-law Nancy (William) Diotalevi, Aunts Helen Marocco & Elvina Pucci, & numerous Nieces, Nephews& cousins. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren Lisa Diotalevi of Anaheim, CA, Matthew (Heather) Morabito of Boston, MA, Steven (Jessica) Diotalevi of Whittier, CA, Jason Diotalevi of Naugatuck, CT. and special great granddaughters Mila Diotalevi and Emilie Morabito.
Besides his parents he is predeceased by Brother, William Diotalevi & many special Aunts, Uncles & cousins.
He was born in Derby, CT., August 6, 1935, son of the late Gino and Viola (Lucarelli) Diotalevi.
He was raised in Derby, graduated as senior class president of Derby high school in 1952. He completed ROTC and graduated with a BS degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1956.
Following graduation, he accepted his commission in the US Army, where he proudly served his country during peace time and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves after having attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
He raised his family in Ansonia, becoming active in Derby & Ansonia youth sports as a Biddy Basketball coach and beloved Pop Warner football coach.
He was involved in the founding of the Ansonia Pop Warner football program, served as the team’s general manager, and coached the Junior Midgets to their first championship in 1971, affectionately referring to all his players as, “lollipops!” He spent a lifelong career in the construction industry as both a Civil Engineer and a Licensed Land Surveyor. He worked for Defelice construction, Francini construction, served as city engineer of Ansonia and Derby, and retired as a vice-president from Taulman Construction Co., Inc. after more than 25 years with the company. He was also active in civic organizations having served as a District Governor of UNICO National and president of the Ansonia-Derby chapter. He was a member of the former St. Michael’s Men’s society.
He was an avid sportsman who loved backpacking the Adirondacks and snow-skiing into his 70’s. In retirement he enjoyed summers in Rhode Island with his wife and special friends at Greenwood Hill campground and winters in Fort Myers, FL with new friends at Jamaica Bay.
Friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St., Ansonia. (www.jenkinskingfh.com) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia. Burial will follow in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.
Contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project; http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
