Thomas Edward DiMaio Sr.

DIMAIO Thomas Edward DiMaio, Sr., age 77, of Milford, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2008 surrounded by his adoring family at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. He was the beloved husband of the late Ethel Neri DiMaio. Tom was born in Bridgeport, on November 15, 1930, to the late John DiMaio and Jennie Savino DiMaio. He exhibited a musical gift at an early age, beginning to play the trumpet at age 9 and later pursuing a professional career in music. In addition to trumpet, Tom was also an accomplished pianist. From 1951 to 1954, Tom served in the U.S. Army in Korea where he attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his military service, he served as a band leader and trumpet soloist entertaining front line troops with the road shows "One for the Road" and "Ridin' High". He fondly recalled one performance when Red Chinese soldiers sat on a hilltop and watched the show. After leaving the service, Tom pursued a career in Music Education, gaining a Master's Degree in Music Education at the University of Bridgeport. He taught music in the Stratford school system from 1961 to 1992, teaching grades 3 through 12. As a professional trumpet player Tom played with the Twarog Brothers Orchestra for more than 30 years. Tom also played with the Jack Still Orchestra and the Paul King Orchestra and played regularly at the Emerald Room in Milford throughout the 1960's. He played for dignitaries such as Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a Bridgeport appearance. After retiring from full-time teaching, Tom continued to expand his musical education and attended Julliard School of Music and the Hartt School of Music in the mid 1990's. His passion for teaching and working with children was strong and prompted him to go on teaching music part time even after his retirement at various private schools until 2005. Tom possessed a quiet, humble demeanor and was a man of few words but had a face which spoke volumes. His soft smile and gentle soul was treasured by his family and touched all others who had the privilege to meet him. His greatest joy on this earth was his grandchildren. He will be missed tremendously but always remembered with a smile by those who were closest to him. His legacy lies within the hearts and souls of his children and grandchildren. Tom is survived by his son, Thomas E. DiMaio Jr. and wife Doreen of Fairfield; daughter, Ellen Vanchot and husband Edward of Milford; his most cherished treasures, his grandchildren, Alison DiMaio and Melissa DiMaio of Fairfield, and Nicolas Vanchot, Jacqueline Vanchot, and Michael Vanchot of Milford; a sister, Jasmine Watt of Milford; brothers, Robert DiMaio and wife Carol of Ansonia, and Vincent DiMaio of Uncasville; long-time companion, Joanne Saccio of New Haven; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by a sister, Edith Swanson; and brothers, John DiMaio and Anthony DeMaio. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 9:45 a.m. from the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St. Milford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary's Church in Milford. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Trumbull. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, Tom's family requests donations made to the Connecticut Hospice of Branford, 100 Double Beach Rd. Branford,CT 06405. www. codywhitefuneralservice.com.