Lawrence F. DelPonte

1929 - 2016

Lawrence F. "Larry" DelPonte, 87, of East Hartford, loving husband of 48 years of the late Josephine (Lecco) DelPonte, passed away peacefully with his caring family by his side on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Manchester Manor. Born in Hartford on January 13, 1929, a son of the late Batista J. and Candida (Gobino) DelPonte, he had been a resident of East Hartford for most of his life. Larry was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1946 and was a long-time faithful communicant of St. Mary's Church and Our Lady of Peace Church, both in East Hartford. Larry was a retired Commissioner of the State of Connecticut-Department of Motor Vehicles and was a past President of the American Association of State Motor Vehicle Commissioners for the 50 states in the U.S.A. He was a former Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Aging for the state of Connecticut prior to joining the DMV. Larry was also a founding partner of the Commonwealth Group in Manchester and of the East Hartford Tire Company on Main Street, East Hartford. He was a former Commissioner for many years of the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC), and an active member the Democratic Party in East Hartford and on the state level. He was a member and past Chairman of the Democratic Party First Congressional District; former member and past Chairman of the Board of Education in East Hartford and a former Town Council member for the town of East Hartford. Larry was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Rev. J.C. Martin, Council # 3901, East Hartford; a past member of the East Hartford Lions Club and the Elks Lodge #2063, East Hartford; and a past President and charter member of the Italian/American Club, East Hartford. He was a former football coach of the IAC Cardinals of the East Hartford Midget Football and a baseball coach of the Odd Fellows of the East Hartford Little League. He was also an avid fan of the New York Giants, New York Yankees, and UCONN basketball teams. Larry will be most remembered for being a true gentleman who loved life and lived it to the fullest. Larry is survived by a son, David J. DelPonte and his wife Karen Ciejek of Mashpee, MA; two daughters, Deborah Journalist and her husband Fred of Ellington, Carolyn Souppa of East Hartford; two grandsons, David Journalist of Ellington, and Anthony Souppa of East Hartford; two step grandsons, Adam Ciejek of Fort Lauderdale, FL and Jonathon Ciejek of Chesterfield, MA. He also leaves a sister, Lucy LeMay of East Hartford; his special dear companion, Jayne Welsh of East Hartford; several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends and former co-workers. Besides his beloved wife and parents, Larry was predeceased by a brother, Rinaldo Magliano of East Hartford; and a sister, Theresa Manasero of East Hartford. Funeral service will be Saturday (March 19, 2016) at 9:30 am from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 370 May Road, East Hartford. Entombment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery (Mausoleum), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Friday (March 18, 2016) from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Larry's name may be made to a favorite charity of the donor's choice. Larry's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all of Larry's caregivers, doctors, nurses, and friends for their care, compassion and love given to Larry and his entire family. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.