#Middlebury #Obituary
Loving husband, father, and grandfather
Giovanni (John) Antonio DeRiu of Middlebury, 87, died peacefully at his home Monday (March 23, 2020) after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and cancer.
John was born in Pozzomaggiore, Sardinia, Italy in 1932 to Paolo DeRiu and Giuseppina Pinna. He emigrated to the United States in 1951, finding work in the Waterbury area as a stone mason. In 1959, he met the love of his life, Barbara (DelVecchio) DeRiu, and married her two years later. John and Barbara settled in Middlebury in 1963, moving into the house that John built for his new family: a home of laughter and celebration. His creativity and skill as a mason can be seen in countless homes, businesses, and parks.
John was a longtime communicant and usher of St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury. He was a member and former Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Father Loftus Council No. 3992. He also belonged to the Sons and Daughters of Italy and the Circolo Shardana organizations.
Besides Barbara, his wife of 58 years, he leaves his two daughters, Lisa DeRiu and Deighna DeRiu, her husband Michael Crowley, and his two beloved grandchildren, Milo and Phoebe DeRiu-Crowley, all of Middlebury. He also is survived by his brothers, Paolo DeRiu of Waterbury; Tonino DeRiu and his wife, Francesca, of Waterbury; his sister, Mariuccia DeRiu of Pozzomaggiore; and his sister-in-law, Gilda DeRiu of Bradenton, Florida. He was predeceased by his brother Pinuccio DeRiu and brother-in-law Nicolino Calaresu.
He was a cherished uncle and great uncle to many and his kindness and smile will be deeply missed. The family wishes to express their thanks for the incredible care and love he received from his many caregivers.
Due to the COVID-19 virus limitations, a Mass of Christian Burial with his cremains present at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury and calling hours at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury will be scheduled at dates and times to be announced. For now, raise a glass of wine to this amazing man.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, parkinson.org.
For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.
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