Angelo Silvio Dell'Aira

Angelo Silvio Dell'Aira of Belen, New Mexico passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Born in Manhattan, New York, Angelo later lived in Williamsville, a suburb of Buffalo, New York, before moving to New Mexico. Angelo honorably served his country in the United States Air Force before dedicating himself to a long and meaningful career in education.

As a devoted special education teacher with the New Mexico Public Education Department, Angelo touched countless lives. Though he had no children of his own, he spoke of his students as if they were his own, caring deeply for each and celebrating their accomplishments with the pride of a parent. He retired in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, patience, and commitment.

Angelo embraced life with curiosity, adventure, and deep appreciation for the world around him. After moving to the Navajo Reservation in Tohatchi, New Mexico, in August 1982, he grew to love the culture and landscape of the Southwest. He enjoyed attending local pow wows and visiting breathtaking landmarks such as Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly. He greatly admired Native American jewelry and paintings, treasuring their artistry and cultural significance.

Angelo had many passions that reflected his zest for life. He loved good food and was a wonderful cook, delighting family and friends with dishes like braciole and New York cheesecake. Cars, especially convertibles, captured his enthusiasm, and he also enjoyed tennis, art, and music. An avid reader and curious internet researcher, he relished learning new things and collecting meaningful treasures. He loved to travel, particularly taking long road trips, and cherished every moment spent with family and friends. Adventurous at heart, Angelo lived life to the fullest, leaving lasting memories with all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, Angelina and John Dell'Aira, sister, Louisa Filippazzo

Survivors include his sister Anna Prima Sparacino; brother-in-law Nicholas Filippazzo; nieces: Mattia Grunfelder and husband John Grunfelder, Maria Sparacino Narine, Angela Diliberti and husband Jerry Diliberti, Tina Sparacino; nephews Stefano Filippazzo and wife Kathy Filippazzo, Joseph Sparacino and wife Sita Sparacino, Luciano Sparacino and wife Sherri Sparacino; great nieces: Nicole Grunfelder, Krystle Larkin, Jacqueline Bettencourt, Lauren Albert, Tara Moye, Stephanie Higgins, Jolie Sparacino, Amanda Sakmar, Gina Diliberti, Madyson Singleton; great nephews: John Grunfelder, Nicholas Filippazzo, Frank Filippazzo, Joseph Sparacino; in addition to several great great nieces and nephews.

A mass will be held for Angelo March 21, 2026, at St. Frances in Wantagh, New York. Burial will follow at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.