Retired Derby Police Sergeant Donald J. Margiano Sr., 64, of Derby, unexpectedly entered into the arms of our Lord on May 29, 2011, in the comfort of his home.
Mr. Margiano was born in Derby on July 27, 1946, son of the late Raymond J. and Neda A. Marazzi Margiano Sr.
Don was a 35 year veteran of the Derby Police Department and the Past Captain of the Storm Engine Co. #2 in Derby.
As a sergeant, he set an example of professionalism and humility for all other officers who served under his leadership.
He loved his job as a police officer and took great pride in serving and protecting the citizens of Derby. While serving as a police officer and in the fire department, Don volunteered his time as a grief counselor for those who experienced traumatic events while serving on the job. He also helped many parents get through the most difficult hours following the sudden loss of a child.
He was a veteran of the Connecticut National Guard where he served as a heavy equipment mechanic. After our countries darkest moment on 9/11, Don volunteered for months on each weekend by riding the train to Ground Zero, where he stayed and slept in New York’s St. Paul’s Chapel, listening and consoling fire and police responders.
Don volunteered in the Valley community by serving for years on the Derby/Shelton Memorial Day Committee in a life-long commitment to honor our war veterans and on the Thanksgiving Day Derby/Shelton Road Race which benefits the Boys and Girls Club.
He is a past member of the Umbrella Family Violence Task Force in Ansonia and would speak to criminal justice students at the University of New Haven about family violence. Don loved the outdoors, and enjoyed snow and water skiing, and was committed to staying in shape by working out daily at the gym.
Don also was a great cook who loved to share his mother’s recipes. He was a man of honor, respect, and integrity who loved his family and good friends.
Most importantly, Don was a man of faith, who had a deep devotion to God, his religion, and Saint Michael Church in Derby.
He is survived by a loving son, Donald J. Margiano Jr. of Beacon Falls, a loving brother, Raymond J. Margiano Jr. and his wife Angela of Atlanta, GA, a loving sister, Janice DeNigris and her husband Frank of Derby, nieces, Kerrin Patrie of Atlanta, Gina Soldra and her husband Keith of Orange, Raina Margiano, and Isabella Margiano of Atlanta, former wife, Janice Cavagnuolo Margiano of Derby, former father-in-law, Ralph Cavagnuolo of Shelton, lifelong best friend, John “Rocky” Saccu of Derby, several great-nieces and great-nephews, and numerous friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday June 4, 2011, at 10:00 am (PLEASE MEET DIRECTLY) at St. Michael Church, 75 Derby Avenue in Derby. Interment will take place at the convenience of the family in the family plot in Mt. St. Peter’s Cemetery in Derby.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday June 3, 2011, from 4 – 8 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI/BEDNAR-OSIECKI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Family Services or Umbrella Domestic Violence Task Force through the funeral home. To send an online condolence, please visit http://www.spinellifuneralhome.com.
