Henry R. DiJulio

DIJULIO, JR Lt. Henry (Hank) R. DiJulio, Jr., age 78, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family after a short battle with cancer. Hank was born in Bridgeport, CT and spent the better part of his youth in the East Side of Bridgeport. He was the son of the late Henry R. DiJulio, Sr. and Louise Testani DiJulio, who were both Italian immigrants. He graduated Warren Harding High School in 1951 then followed in his Dad's footsteps and proudly served in the National Guard. Hank loved his family and enjoyed working side by side with them in the family business, DiJulio's Bulls Head Restaurant on Main Street in Bridgeport. His strong sense of loyalty and commitment to not only his family, but also his community, led him to a career of public service with the Trumbull Police Department. While working full time as a Police Officer, his hard work and determination resulted in him graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of New Haven with a degree in Criminal Justice. In addition to working full time as a Police Officer, Hank held two part time jobs while raising his five children. Hank was best known for his fun loving, full of life personality. His passions and hobbies were as faceted as he was. From stellar wine making, which he generously shared with good friends, to mushroom picking, pepper stuffing, cooking, golfing, and card playing. Hank was always at his best when surrounded by his family and friends. He enjoyed his beach house on Misquamicut Beach each summer and loved sharing it with others. Anyone who knew Hank knows that by far, the love of his life was his black lab, Prince. Nothing brought a smile to Hank's face quicker than the presence of Prince, with whom he so graciously shared all his meals. Hank loved his family and would do anything for them. He was predeceased by his grandson Tony "Spike" Brown and younger sister, Barbara DiJulio Claydon. Survivors include his devoted children, Paul DiJulio and his wife Mary Ellen, Anne Castaldo and her husband Jeff, Henry (Hank) DiJulio III, Patty Durell her husband Dave and Joe DiJulio, six cherished grandchildren David Brown, Daniel Brown, Henry DiJulio IV, Kristin Smith and her husband Chet Smith, Erin DiJulio and Rachael DiJulio, always brought joy and love to Hank. Recently, the addition of his two great grandsons, Zane and Kellen Smith added to his love and joy. He also leaves a sister, Theresa Petricca and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews to cherish his memory. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 11:00 AM directly in St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow in the Garden Mausoleum at St. Michael's Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 372 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897 or The Tony Brown Foundation, P.O. Box 822, Monroe, CT. 06468 or by visiting www.TheTonyBrownFoundation.org. To light a virtual candle, please visit us at www.abriola.com