Anthony Joseph Esposito

It is with heavy hearts that we have to announce that Anthony Joseph Esposito, 91, of Hamden, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at YNHH (York Street Campus). He was born December 30, 1934 in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Matthew and Anna (Munz) Esposito.

He is predeceased by his loving wife Louise Esposito, of 59 years, as well as his siblings Robert Esposito and Diane. He is survived by his four children Frank Fucci (Shawn), Jackie Coitrone, Dawn DeCarlo (Richard), and Jennifer Apuzzo (Gregory). He is also survived by his loving grandchildren Donnie DesPierre (Emily), Francesca Barton (Eddie), Jessica DesPierre (Matt), Filomena Johnson (Sean), Richard DeCarlo Jr. (Kristin), Brittany Coppola (William), Mariah DeCarlo, and Bianca Apuzzo. Furthermore, he is survived by his loving great grandchildren Gabby, Colton, Logan, Liana, Brooke, Robert, Amelia, Eloise, Cameron, Dustin, and Billy V.

Anthony, "Pop Star" or "Poppy Jack", was most proud of his 36 year career at Metro North, NYC and New Haven, as a crew dispatcher. He was also proud of his exceptional athletic skills, always telling stories about how good he was at baseball, basketball, and swimming, even claiming he was almost a semi-pro player for the White Sox to anybody who would listen.

His hobbies included watching sports games on TV. In his early years after retirement he enjoyed spending time at Sports Haven watching horse races, Jai-alai, and dog races. Later in life he discovered the joy of scratch off tickets and was overjoyed whenever you would walk in the house with one. He loved when his daughter, Dawn, would frequently bring him a McDonald's black coffee and pizza. He also loved when his daughter, Jenn, would bring him Italian cream pie and when his daughter, Jackie, would bring him black raspberry ice cream.

Poppy Jack was most proud of all of his grandchildren, but shared a special bond with Brittany, his personal physical therapist, Mariah, his personal nurse, and his youngest granddaughter, Bianca, who took after him by becoming a dispatcher. All three grandchildren were right by his side until the very end. Poppy Jack was also incredibly proud of his grandsons athletic skills, hoping that they would one day become pro athletes.

Anthony was a great man who deeply loved his family, especially his wife Louise. His wonderful life and memories will never be forgotten, and his family will continue telling his favorite stories forever. Anthony will be deeply missed but never forgotten, and the whole family will keep rooting for the gray horses and eating saltine and peanut butter crackers in his honor.

Services were private to the family. Condolences may be expressed at Hamdmemorialfuneralhome.com