Emilio N. DeFusco

The world was left with a little less good order and discipline as Emilio N. DeFusco, 79, of Southington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28th, 2023, at Hartford Hospital. Emilio was born in New Haven on August 17, 1943, and was the son of the late Emilio and Diana Celso DeFusco. He served his country faithfully as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps as an Embassy Marine in Frankfurt, Germany. Emilio earned a bachelor and master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University and was an elementary school teacher for the North Haven School System. He later was an owner/manager for area restaurants including the former L’Avventura Restaurant of New Haven, My Dad’s Steak House and Jacoby’s Restaurant both in Meriden. He later worked in investment services and insurance. Emilio loved family Sunday dinners, golfing, outings with his lifelong friend Neal, sharing stories of his earlier days in the Marine Corps, and especially bagel breakfasts with his grandson Alex. Father of Michael P. Downes and his wife Tara. Grandfather of Alexander Downes. Brother of Paul and Michael DeFusco,

and the late Dianne Marini. His OCD tendencies live on in both his son Michael and grandson Alex.

The visiting hours will be Friday, Feb. 3rd from

5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Full military honors will be rendered in the parlor at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Avenue, Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001. Entombment will be at the convenience of the family in the State Veterans Cemetery Columbarium, Middletown. www.northhavenfuneral. com