Ross R. Aiello Jr.

Stonington — Ross Robert Aiello Jr. passed away Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at his home in Pawcatuck, surrounded by his family. He was born Jan. 17, 1938, the son of the late Ross Robert Aiello and Mary (Rittenhouse) Aiello. He was nicknamed “Mick” at an early age, and the name stuck. Except for his time in the military and his college career, Mick lived his entire life in the Stonington community.

Mick loved boats, so upon graduating from Stonington High School in 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was part of an air group flying off the decks of aircraft carriers, serving on the Antietam, Leyte, Tarawa and Wasp. Boating and fishing were big priorities in his life.

Following his military service, he earned an associate degree at Mitchell Junior College. He continued his education, achieving his bachelor’s degree in education at Central Connecticut State University and a master’s degree at the University of Connecticut. He also earned 30 credits beyond his master’s degree.

Mick spent his career teaching in the Industrial Arts Department at Wheeler High School in North Stonington, ultimately retiring in 1997. He enjoyed teaching and had many friends among staff and students.

He was baptized in the First Baptist Church in Stonington, now named the United Church of Stonington. He was a devout Christian, serving the church in many capacities, including as deacon, trustee, treasurer and assistant treasurer through the years.

Mick’s first love was always singing in the choir. He had a fine bass voice, and in addition to his choir activities, he sang in the Griswold Chorus and the “Ad Hoc” singers. He also loved the Westerly Band, where he played in the percussion section until he could no longer march in parades, giving up the band with great reluctance.

Mick loved woodworking, building his house in Pawcatuck as he was finishing his college years. He was always involved in a project or two.

On Wednesday mornings, you could find Mick at the Groton Sportsmen’s Club skeet shooting and talking with his friends. He will be deeply missed.

Mick leaves his wife of 63 years, Jean (Danforth) Aiello; daughter, Cherie Aiello and her husband, Godi Fischer; son Ross Aiello III and Mara DeSales; and daughter Lisa DeFanti and her husband, Jay; eight grandchildren, Jonathan, Laurel and Alea Stokes, Ross IV, Kathryn Aiello and Janna, Jared and David DeFanti. Mick is also survived by his sister, Barbara Blackstone; nieces, Dara Blackstone and Beth Sardelli; and nephews, David Blackstone, William, Pastor Gary and Gregory Isbell. He was predeceased by a son, Jared Aiello and a sister, Joanna Isbell.

The Aiello family would like to thank Dr. Rebecca Vanasse and her Smilow staff, particularly the “Girls” at the Draw Station at Westerly Hospital. Also, a thank you to Dr. Peters and the nurses at L+M Hospital in New London. Their cheerfulness and kindness were very much appreciated.

A funeral service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at the United Church of Stonington, 67 Main St., Stonington. Military funeral honors will follow the service at the church. There are no calling hours for Mick.

Gifts in his memory may be made to the United Church of Stonington Endowment Fund Attn: Judith Kunkel, Treasurer, 67 Main St., Stonington, CT 06378, or giving blood to a local blood donation center as Mick had relied on numerous blood transfusions over several years during his illness.

Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave a note of condolence.