Dea V. Di Tomasso

Dea V. Di Tomasso, 92, of Cheshire, beloved wife of the late John F. Di Tomasso, devoted mother of Anthony V. Di Tomasso and dear friend and mentor to countless students and friends, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026.

She was born on November 15, 1933, in Giovinazzo, Italy to the late Vito and Elena (nee Palmiotto) Cervone. Her early experiences living through the hardships of the second world war as a child, and the loss of her father at a young age, fostered in her an intrepid nature and a resolute inner resourcefulness. In spite of those difficulties, she would recall with fondness the closeness that she felt with her family during those trying times, creating a strong bond with her siblings Paul, Filomena and Anthony that endured throughout their lives.

She immigrated to the United States around 1952, settling in Mount Vernon, New York. In this next chapter of her life, her outgoing personality and ability to learn English helped her quickly begin her working career. She began first as a sales assistant at Gimbel’s department store, then as a secretary at a local newspaper, and later in the accounts payable department at Burnell & Company, where she would meet her husband of 56 years, John, at a company Christmas party.

They were married in 1964, and eventually settled in New Rochelle, New York after the birth of their son, Anthony, where she dedicated herself wholeheartedly as a loving mother. The meticulous care and attention that she gave to tasks such as family meals were heartfelt daily expressions of her love. Everything had to be the best it could possibly be. “Good enough”, was never good enough, and time spent with family around the table was always a joyous occasion that she cherished.

Following the transfer of John’s job, the family relocated to Cheshire, where she lived for the remainder of her life. Again, her outgoing personality and ability to make friends enabled her to quickly adapt to this new chapter of her life. Having raised her son, she then resumed her own professional ambitions, pursuing the career she was born for, as a teacher of Italian and also as a judicial interpreter.

Nothing gave her greater joy than to share her passion for her native language and culture with others. The enthusiasm and warmth she brought to her classes inspired countless students to continue studying with her for years, long after the Italian holiday that might have originally prompted their enrollment.

Most of all, her students became an ever-widening circle of beloved friends, whom she inspired with her vitality, and above all, her unwavering positivity. Her guiding philosophy of life was the relentless pursuit of positivity, happiness, and an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us. While she will be dearly missed, she will remain a daily source of inspiration to so many.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Saint Bridget of Sweden Church in Cheshire, followed by an interment ceremony at Grove Street Cemetery in New Haven. Memorial contributions may be made to ALS United Connecticut or the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain in lieu of flowers.