Andrew DeMeola

Andrew “Archie” DeMeola of North Haven, beloved husband of Fran DeMeola, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on July 8.

Archie was born in the Hill section of New Haven on February 15, 1940, to the late Andrew and Philomena (Frances) DeMeola. He attended Hillhouse High School in New Haven where he earned a letter and an MVP trophy playing varsity football. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served his country aboard the USS Barton. After earning an honorable discharge, he returned to New Haven and began his career as an apprentice in the plumbing industry, eventually retiring as an owner of Mechanical Plumbing and Heating of Hamden.

As a partner in the popular Waterbury restaurant Diorio, Archie spent many happy nights socializing with patrons and friends, and that is where he and Fran connected. Archie and Fran married in 2003 and have since delighted in time spent in the company of their shared family of children and grandchildren. During the winter months Archie and Fran spent time in Florida, enjoying the beach and nightlife in Deerfield Beach. Summer afternoons were often spent near the water in Westbrook and in Newport. Trips abroad took them to the Caribbean and Italy. In his retirement years, Archie became a voracious reader of military and world history books, the content of which he loved sharing with his grandchildren.

Archie was a generous man who would never allow anyone else to pick up a dinner tab. He was an attentive listener who could always be counted on for a good laugh and a strong drink. Most importantly he was the founding father of “Club Archie” where family and friends congregated by the pool throughout the summers at his North Haven home.

Archie was predeceased by Roberta (Scoopo) DeMeola, to whom he was devoted for 28 years of marriage before her passing, and his son-in-law, Paul Salerno.

He was the loving father of Paula Salerno, Dawn Moran (Rich), and Andrea Cole (Matt). Caring stepfather of Kristen Cavagnuolo (Erik), Todd Mollica (Melanie), and Terry Mollica (Liza). Adoring and proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers William (Patty) DeMeola of Clinton and James DeMeola of Sacramento, California and five nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 26 at 10 AM at St. Therese Church, 555 Middletown Ave., North Haven. Interment will be private. Donations may be sent in Archie’s name to Home Care Plus Community Healthcare and Hospice, 753 Boston Post Rd., Guilford, CT 06437.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff members of Homecare Plus Hospice (Sara) and SeniorBridge (Ruth, Jamal) who provided such compassionate care in Archie’s final days