June E. (Abate) Onorato, age 83, entered eternal rest on April 8, 2025, at her home in New Haven.
She was the beloved wife of the late Attorney Alfred J. Onorato.Born in Derby on June 18, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Elsie Iacobacci Abate. June grew up in Ansonia amidst a large and loving extended family and resided in New Haven for the past fifty-two years.
She graduated Valedictorian from Ansonia High School and attained her Bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University, a Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a diploma from Yale New Haven Hospital School of Medical Technology.
She was employed as a college science professor at Housatonic Community College and Quinnipiac University. June was also previously employed as a part-time professor at Gateway Community College, the University of New Haven, and Albertus Magnus College.
As a result of her dedication and work ethic, June received numerous professional awards including, Outstanding Young Women of America in 1965, Outstanding Educators of America in 1972, American Association of University Women Honoree in 1982 and 1983 and Who’s Who Among American Teachers in 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2005.
June was also a member of many professional organizations including, the American Association of University Women, New Haven branch, where she was a member from 1971 to present and served as President from 1979 – 1981 and from 1981 – 1983 and the Archaeological Society of Connecticut where she was a member from 1988 to present and served as Vice President from 1990 – 1994.
June was also very active in numerous civic organizations including, Albert Morgan Archaeological Society, Alumni Association of Quinnipiac College, Greater New Haven Archaeological Society and the WYCA of New Haven where she served on the board of directors.June had a passion for ancient civilizations, archeology, and Native American culture.
She participated in many archaeological digs throughout Connecticut and climbed every Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan in Mexico. June had an extensive collection of native culture artifacts from all over North and South America. She was a voracious reader with an extensive library including many ancient civilization books.
June was also a fanatic about reading newspapers and clipping out articles for her classes. June loved doing yoga and was an enthusiastic bird watcher.
June leaves to cherish her memory, a loving daughter, Stephanie Schweitzer of Avon, two adored and cherished grandchildren, Dylan and Alexa Schweitzer of Avon along with many loved cousins in the Cammarata, Abate and Iacobacci families.
Keeping in touch with family was very important to June and she enjoyed spending time together.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia.
On Saturday morning, her funeral will begin at 9:15 am from the funeral home then proceed to Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia for a Mass of Christiam Burial at 10:00 am. Entombment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Mausoleum in Derby. To sign June’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
