#Middlebury #Obituary
Ronald (“Ron”) Romeo Vitarelli, 83, a long time Middlebury resident, died surrounded by his loving family on December 8, 2021, the day of the Feast of Immaculate Conception. He was the devoted husband and friend of Marie A. (Varanelli) Vitarelli for over 60 years.
Born on August 4, 1938, to the late Romeo A. and Eva C. (Cicchetti) Vitarelli, he grew up in the South End of Waterbury, and attended William F. Kaynor Technical High School. He graduated from Hillyer College and obtained graduate degrees from the University of Hartford and University of Bridgeport. He enjoyed a rewarding 35-year career in public education. He served as a reading consultant in Roxbury, Washington, and Bridgewater and as an assistant principal in New Fairfield. For over two decades, he was the principal of the Hawley and Sandy Hook Schools in Newtown. As a principal, he was known for his upbeat personality, unusual neckties, Palmer-method penmanship, and his signature daily greeting when visiting classrooms. Ron loved children and advocated for them tirelessly during his time as an educator and in retirement.
Throughout his life, Ron was a friend to many and devoted to his church and community. He was a communicant of St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury for over 50 years, serving multiple terms on its parish council, as trustee, and eucharistic minister. He was recognized with the Archdiocese of Hartford’s prestigious St. Joseph’s Medal of Appreciation. Ron sat on the board of Woodside Heights and the Middlebury Bicentennial and Arts committees. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus (Father Loftus Council #3992) and was active in the UNICO Club of Waterbury.
A lifelong lover of music, Ron was an accomplished jazz guitarist, inspired by Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass and his friend, Joe Diorio. He performed in many musical groups, including 50s cover band “Satisfaction” and most recently the WVR Trio. He served for several years as the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 186, the American Federation of Musician’s Waterbury, Connecticut Chapter.
Ron loved traveling with his family, enjoying dinner with friends, playing his guitar and spending summers at the family’s house in Westbrook. He enjoyed live music, literature and theater. He and Marie were season ticket holders and sustaining members of Waterbury’s Palace Theater.
In addition to his beloved wife Marie, he leaves behind his two sons, Ronald R. Vitarelli and his wife Traci of Marlborough, Connecticut, and Richard F. Vitarelli and his wife Lisa of Glastonbury, Connecticut. He was “Grampy” to his six grandchildren, Ronald, Michael, Alexandra, Lauren, Thomas, and Megan, always willing to embark on an adventure while imparting various “special techniques” and related life skills. He leaves behind his favorite sister-in-law and friend, Patricia A. Varanelli of Middlebury, and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert F. Vitarelli of Brooklyn, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s name may be made to the Malta House of Care, Waterbury at P.O. Box 247, Middlebury, CT 06762.
The family would like to thank the urologic team of the Smilow Cancer Hospital, headed by Dr. Daniel P. Petrylak, and the VITAS team at Saint Mary’s Hospital for their compassionate care and support.
A Mass of Christian burial and a celebration of Ron’s life will take place Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 12 p.m. at St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury, preceded by a period of visitation from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Maiorano Funeral Home has been entrusted with all arrangements. For additional information or to leave online condolences for the family, please go to www.maioranofuneralhome.com.
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