Denapoli, Valeria (Santacroce)
Valeria (Santacroce) Denapoli of Bloomfield, formerly of West Hartford, and Newington died on January 6, 2024, at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford to the late Frederick and Veronica (Moretti) Santacroce, Valeria was a kind, loving and generous individual who always put her family first.
Valeria leaves behind her beloved husband of 51 years, Harry Denapoli, Jr.; her only son, Anthony Denapoli and wife Anna Denapoli of Newington; her beloved grandchildren, Thomas and Katherine Denapoli; her twin sister, Erica Guidobono of Newington; her goddaughter, Dea Lawrence and husband Michael of Los Angeles, CA; her godson, Frederick Guidobono and wife Lisa of Wethersfield; and many brothers-in-law, sistersin-law, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother-in-law, Enzo Guidobono; her nephew, Lawrence Guidobono; and her best friend, Olga Amato.
Valeria is a graduate of Weaver High School. She received a bachelor's degree in fine arts from Pratt Institute in New York City, and a master's degree in education from Southern Connecticut State College. She was also an active member of the Alpha Delta Kappa sorority. Valeria was an accomplished artist and educator. Following college, she worked in graphic arts in New York and then returned to Hartford to work as a graphic designer for WTIC, Channel 3. Once she received her master's degree, she went to work as an art teacher for Newington Public Schools where she taught at Martin Kellogg Middle School from 19601966 and Newington High School from 1966 until her retirement in 1996. As an art teacher for 36 years, she inspired many students and always encouraged them to use creativity. In addition to teaching, Valeria was the Newington High School yearbook art advisor, and she was a Celebration of Excellence Teacher. Shortly after her retirement, Newington High School named an award after her, called the “Val Denapoli Artist of the Year Award”. Valeria loved cooking and baking. Her family always looked forward to her beautifully decorated homemade cookies and delicious pies. In addition, she enjoyed decorating, gardening, traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who were her pride and joy.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, (January 11), 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Visitation will be at the Church from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. prior to the Mass. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Benedict, Bloomfield. Online condolences may be made at www.sheehanhilbornbreen. com
Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries