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Rachel D'Avino Obituary
D'Avino was a behavioral therapist who had only recently started working at the school where she was killed, according to Lissa Lovetere Stone, a friend who is handling her funeral planned for Friday. D'Avino's boyfriend, Anthony Cerritelli, planned to ask her to marry him on Christmas Eve, Lovetere Stone said.
Lovetere Stone said she met D'Avino in 2005 when D'Avino was assigned to her son, who has autism, in their town of Bethlehem. D'Avino, 29, was so dedicated she'd make home visits and constantly offered guidance on handling situations such as helping her son deal with loud music at a wedding.
"Her job didn't end when the school bell rang at 3 o'clock," Lovetere Stone said.
Police told her family that she shielded one of the students during the rampage, Lovetere Stone said.
"I'm heartbroken. I'm numb," Lovetere Stone said. "I think she taught me more about how to be a good mother to a special needs child than anyone else ever had."
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
900 Entries
Ann Marie Curling
December 14, 2021
May the Lord bless you on this horrible day of remembrance. I think of your family all year round.
December 14, 2021
To Rachel’s Family
May Rachel Surround Each Of You With Her Warmth From Her Rays Of Sunshine. Sending You Heavenly HugsA Mom Of An Angel
Alex
February 6, 2020
I know you're smiling down on the next generation of students attending Sandy Hook.
Cheryl Gallagher
December 17, 2019
Can't believe it's been 7 years on Saturday 14th. I've gone on to donate several times to the Sandy Hook Promise.
To me you will always be a hero for overcoming your disability and for protecting your kids in that school.
Your family will always be in my heart and prayers.
How you can show support
December 12, 2019
Happy holidays, angel
November 8, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
A.L.
September 5, 2019
Hey Rachel,
I briefly thought of you a few days ago because of yet another tragedy that led to seven lost lives. Take care of them, my friend...
A.L.
Alex
May 24, 2019
December 14, 2012 will be remembered as a devastating day for Newtown and the state of Connecticut.
As someone who lives with Aspergers, I commemorate the loss of you and 25 others from this awful tragedy. Take care of your wonderful educators and friends up in heaven, including Lauren Rousseau, Victoria Soto, Mary Sherlach, Principal Hochsprung and Anne Marie Murphy. You all made Sandy Hook a really good place to be.
Valenda Newell
June 20, 2017
GONE TOO SOON.......PRAYERS
Brian
May 1, 2017
Rachel may you live in gods loving arms forever.
jimmy
December 18, 2015
Cheryl Gallagher
December 12, 2015
Well it's hard to believe it's been 3 years. It's with a heavy heart that I send my prayers and thoughts to your family loved ones and friends.
And Rachel you help me to become a better person. You're not forgotten.
Much love to your family Cheryl.
jimmy
November 18, 2015
love jimmy
jimmy
August 6, 2015
a candle for rachel
Brenna
July 17, 2015
Happy Birthday Rachel!
jimmy
February 12, 2015
happy valentines day
Michelle
December 15, 2014
My sympathies. May God(Psalm83:18)continue to help you cope with your tragic loss.
December 14, 2014
I offer my condolences to the family. It hurts us to see such a tragedy but God has promised to bring them back to life John 6:40.
Cheryl Gallagher
December 14, 2014
Remembering you on day. Sending my love and prayers to your family and loved ones and friends.
Kiara
December 13, 2014
It's devasting to hear about such an act of violence that caused innocent people's lives but I find comfort in Isaiah 9:7 that speaks about peace on earth hopefully it wil comfort you too.
jimmy
December 10, 2014
be thinking of twenty six this sunday, love jimmy
jimmy
November 21, 2014
happy thanksgiving ,jimmy
Brenna
July 15, 2014
Wishing you a very happy birthday on Thursday. May your family find peace and joy in their memories of you.
Katie kalinosky
July 1, 2014
R.I.P BEAUTIFUL ANGEL
June 28, 2014
RIP
May 13, 2014
We miss you Rachel love Morgan Daniels
happy easter
jimmy
April 19, 2014
love jimmy
Juli
January 4, 2014
Let There Be Peace On Earth!!
The World Misses Your Passion, and Your Advocacy for Kids More Than You Know!!!
Robert
December 19, 2013
For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones (Hebrews 6:10). Rachel will never be forgotten for all the work she did for her community and especially those encouraged and inspired in her care. May God continue to strengthen your family in these “times hard to deal with” (2Tim 3:1), especially without a beloved one such as Rachel D'Avino.
Amanda Thomas
December 15, 2013
I just found out about Rachel, I was a friend of hers at The Forman School. I can't believe this... She had an amazing heart. I was new to Forman the year she was leaving,however, she seemed to understand me more than most. I was a disconnected, depressed student that was picked on at the school, and she was always so sweet to me. Even after she left, she kept in touch with me- helped mentor me on how to stick up for myself at Forman... She was like a big sister to me in a way. I have nothing but found memories of her and I'm so sorry that this happened to her. She was far too young to leave this earth. My heart goes out to her family, and friends.
karen imbimbo
December 14, 2013
Thinking of you and your family Rachel. You are with the Angels now and the world misses you.
December 14, 2013
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MY MAIDEN NAME WAS GLORIA D'AVINO AND I LIVED IN WATERBURY, CT. IF YOU ARE RELATIVES OF MINE, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. MY EMAIL IS: [email protected]
Again, my sincere condolences.
Mary Kinsley
December 14, 2013
Remembering beautiful Rachel and keeping her and the D'Avino family in my heart and in my prayers today and every day. Love always wins.
Scott Chamberland
December 13, 2013
Rest in Peace
D See
December 13, 2013
God bless you and your family and all the other families. My heart is with you all.
bella b
December 11, 2013
my prayers will go out for the D,AVINO family on the 14th.god bless you all.
November 27, 2013
To the D'Avino Family,
Thinking of you and your family every day and especially at this time of year. May you find peace this holiday season.We as a nation are still deeply affected by what happened. We will never forget.
Sincerely,
The Chermansky Family
Cumberland, Indiana
Camille
November 25, 2013
It can be so hard to face the first year without Rachel , but God can give you all the strength you need to carry you through. He is aware of your pain and whatever you are going through emotionally. .. let him help you he knows what you need. (Jeremiah 29:12) . . .And YOU will certainly call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to YOU. . .
Tim Smith
September 29, 2013
Rev. chapter 21 verse 4 reads "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will morning nor outcry be anymore.
wishing you a happy birthday
james havens
July 17, 2013
wishing you a happy birthday rachel, i will be thinking of you and your family today ,love jimmy
Here's me & my baby Precious
Cheryl Gallagher
June 16, 2013
Thanks for your bravery & love for helping people with disabilities. I know you understand what it's like to deal with a disability. I know what it's like also. Please know that your sacrifice will not go in vain. You and your family are in my heart & prayers!
BELLA
June 15, 2013
TO MR&MRS D'AVINO,ANTHONY, AND FAMILY AND FRIENDS.MAY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN BRING YOU COMFORT ON THIS FATHERS DAY,6/16/2013. TO A HERO NOW ANGEL RACHEL HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN 7/17/2013.GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Dayna
June 14, 2013
We will never forget
Mrs. Robert
June 13, 2013
Ms. D'Avino, you will be remembered for your courage, strength, and caring to protect your precious children. Gone too soon and wishing I had the power to change. May your family find comfort with your radiant Spirit shining in their hearts forever. You are a special Angel playing with all the little angels in God's wonderland.
May you rest in peace. Thank you for your bravery.
karen
April 5, 2013
jalia Whitejead
March 25, 2013
you were strong ms.D'avino. you saved those little kids life's. You were awsome!!!
jalia whitehead(MD)
March 13, 2013
Rip
Lisa Swanzy
March 9, 2013
My DEAREST Ms. D'Avino, you ARE AND SHALL EVER BE MY HERO! If I am EVER in your situation, I TRULY HOPE that I respond as you did on December 14, 2012. You BRAVELY shielded one of your treasured students from the gunfire! You are now a Guardian Angel to ALL the precious babies called Home that day along with your fellow colleagues who are ALSO Guardian Angels! You are a CONSUMMATE BEHAVIOR THERAPIST and EDUCATOR in ALL TRUE SENSES of the WORDS! May God continue comforting ALL your family and friends until they join you in Heaven one day! I SHALL NEVER FOREGET YOU!
With deepest sympathy NOW AND FOREVER,
memorial cairn
james havens
March 8, 2013
rachel i have made a rock cairn,and i have put a rock on it as a memorial to you,love jimmy
Ann
February 22, 2013
My deepest sympathies for your loss. May God's Word strengthen you during this difficult time. For he will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, And the souls of the poor ones he will save. Psalms 72:12, 13
pam
February 10, 2013
Love to Rachel's family and friends.
Nicole
February 8, 2013
Rachel, you're a beautiful person inside and out. I'm happy to have gotten the chance to know you. Your family has been in my prayers and always will be, rest in peace.
Candice Gager
February 4, 2013
To The D'Avino Family I am sorry for Your loss
Margery and Michael Solomon
February 3, 2013
A brave lady and dedicated to her profession.Loved, and missed by all who knew her. Rachel had a bright future ahead of her, and was sadly taken from us. Our condolences to the family and friends of Rachel.
February 1, 2013
God, we desperately need you now...
Marc Cormier
February 1, 2013
Rachel, You were truly a hero in my eyes. May you stand proudly with our Heavenly Father and stay close to all those beautiful children. To the family, you must be proud to have had such a brave and heroic person in your lives. May God bless you all.
Ellen Robinson
January 30, 2013
I will pray every day for your family's loss of Rachel. God bless you as you grieve this significant loss. He will put you in perfect peace eventually. I will pray in the meantime.
Laura Mullins
January 27, 2013
Rachel, I did not know you but would just like to say my thoughts and prayers go out to your family and all the other victims families of such a horrible tragedy. My heart goes out to you all. RIP angels.
Kathleen H.
January 26, 2013
Dear Family of Rachel,
It has been nearly two months since your tragic loss. How are you doing? My prayer is that you continue to heal; let yourself grief by talking to family and friends. Talking about your feelings to a “true companion” who will listen pathetically can bring a relief. (Proverbs 17:17) Writing your feelings or your memories of dear Rachel can be soothing to the soul. We all grieve differently – at our on pace and in our own way. May you continue to find comfort from those with kindred spirit as we await God's wonderful promises for tomorrow!
Kathleen Hawkins
January 26, 2013
A parent's worst nightmare
became your reality this day.
Feelings of unimaginable despair;
so many unanswered questions …
Why my child?
Did God need another angel?
If so, how unloving it would be of him
to take our cherished one, our joy!
So many unfulfilled dreams,
plans for the future; tomorrows gone.
Lives changed forever by the loss
of one so dear, so tender, so young.
Death leaves such emptiness of heart,
regrets of not giving that last hug;
feeling the warmth and tenderness of a kiss;
saying: “I love you” just one more time!
Have hope! He has promised an end to such sadness.
He hears the prayers of the brokenhearted one.
He will actually swallow up death forever,
And He will certainly wipe the tears from all faces!
Memories cherished and faith in a better future,
Will help one cope with the pain of today.
A promised paradise when all will be reunited
with dear, loved ones. Life without end at last!
Author: Kathleen Hawkins©2012
Cyndi Paige
January 25, 2013
A beautiful soul taken too soon.
To Rachel's family we are praying for peace for you.
Dr.farah
January 22, 2013
RIP,I cannot find any words,GOD bless.
pam
January 20, 2013
I'm sending my love and prayers to Rachel's family and friends.
james havens
January 17, 2013
very sorry about rachel,she has a beautiful smile. i will always think about her courage,she will always be my hero. love jimmy
veronica henry
January 16, 2013
It hurt my heart to reacd about the love and courage of this beautiful young woman. Rachel was very special. It takes a special person to want to help others. We were all made in Gods image and his son, Jesus, spent his life helping mankind when he was here on earth. May your family find comfort through the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the Holy Bible. (Matthew 22:37-39)
Stephanie
January 15, 2013
RIP Rachel. You are truly a hero.
There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.
Alfred & Irina Romo
January 15, 2013
God bless you Rachel! May your star shine brightly in heaven forever more and may God bless you for doing whatever you could to protect the children in your care. And may he bless your family abundantly for their great loss of a beloved family member.
Linda
January 15, 2013
Peace be with you.
Dr. and Mrs. Gregory Enas
January 13, 2013
Father in Heaven, please comfort this family with the peace that only you can give.
Jo Ragsdale
January 12, 2013
Dear Lord,
Help guide Rachel's family and boyfriend to have peace beyond all understanding and know that our prayers and thoughts are with them.
Amen.
Rachel was a beautiful and special person on this earth who wanted to help those in need. She was a true blessing to humanity.
pam
January 12, 2013
Sending you all my love and prayers.
Brittney & Karen Kelly
January 12, 2013
Rip Rachel, God bless your family an friends during this hard time.
Jodie
January 10, 2013
RIP
January 9, 2013
Rest in Peace Rachel. May God bring your family comfort and peace during this very very sad time.
tyrone kuziw
January 9, 2013
god bless your family for a wonderful person u brought into this world she is truly special she will never be forgotten amen t.k. n.j.
January 7, 2013
god bless and keep your family in this very sad time. you will be remembered for being a brave soul and saving a life. rest in gods arms
Carrin
January 6, 2013
May God bless her spirit and the families and friends find peace and happiness <3
January 5, 2013
Family of Rachel,
Please accept my Deepest Sympathy...for your loving Daughter Rachel who lost her life trying to protect her students...at Sandy Bank Elementary School..May our loving Father wrap his arms around you and your family. Keep all the Beautiful memories of Rachel in your heart..
R.I.P. Rachel
s c
January 4, 2013
You have my condolences. No words can say how I feel for your family and for those who personally knew her. I cannot say i understand how your family and friends are feeling.
We will all be comforted when Psalms 37: 9 to 11 & 29 are fulfilled. My prayers are with you all.
pam
January 3, 2013
Your spirit is still with us. love
kate morrill
January 2, 2013
Family Of Rachel, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. What a wonderful woman she must of been to love these little children and try to protect them the way she did. R.I.P. Rachel
Brett Berlin
January 2, 2013
what a selfless, precious woman, truely a special gift to all who knew her, may God's peace and comfort be especially near you at this very difficult time
Patsy Dailey
December 31, 2012
God be with the family at this time. May your memories help you through this tragedy. Love & Prayers.
Patty Berube Smith
December 31, 2012
We needed more people like Rachel in this world, who apparently had an amazing gift to help those kids who most needed it. I am thinking of your family and fiance at this time.
priscilla
December 31, 2012
My condolences
This has been a tragedy with what happened. May all you know Rachel is in a deep sleep better than all.of of us in this moment. Why? Ecc 9:5. gives us the answer. God had promise there will be no more suffering, death, crime, war, etc. in the future so we are eager till that day come..., but remember there will be a resurrection.....so may you guys keep strong...
December 31, 2012
I am sorry for your lose my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family
Karen
December 31, 2012
I teach elementary school and my babies are 5 and 7. Thank you, Rachel, for protecting the innocent. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and your beautiful dog.
Kathleen Curnyn
December 31, 2012
I'm praying for the broken hearted of this world.
Denise Roth
December 30, 2012
my thoughts and prayers are with you all
Lisa Morgado
December 29, 2012
May you rest in peace and know how much you are loved. My prayers with Rachel's family and all my love from my family to yours.
Lauren Banner
December 29, 2012
The world needs more people with your passion and heart for special needs. Those children were incredibly blessed to have had you as a teacher. The world lost an angel who will never be forgotten. RIP Rachel.
g blase
December 29, 2012
To The D'Avino Famliy -
I am sorry for your loss. Your daughter was a beautiful woman with an exceptional heart - an a dog lover, too.
As with all those that were lost, your daughter will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
If Rachel remains in your heart, where she has always been all along, she will never be lost.
With Love & Prayers.
pam dennison
December 28, 2012
I think of you all often and pause and fill my heart with love and comfort and send to all of you. I will continue.....
Glenn
December 28, 2012
Hi Rachel, God bless you, your family, and your friends. You are truly a hero never to be forgotten.
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