Antonio Mapelli

Antonio Mapelli, 92 years old of West Hartford, CT, peacefully passed away on the morning of Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in his home surrounded by family.

Born on January 10, 1934, in Grezzago (Milano), Italy to Francesco Mapelli and Luigia Castellazzi, Antonio lived a life defined by profound service to others, a deep sense of social justice and proudly a person who carved his own path in life. At age 12, he was sent to Rome to join the seminary where he became a Roman Catholic Priest focusing on agriculture and a degree in liberation theological studies. At age 25, he started missionary work in Bangladesh, where he spent the next 25 years constructing churches, strengthening communities in Christ, running a local medical clinic, supporting local farmers and immersing himself in Bengali cultures. He was fluent in Italian, Bangla, Latin, English and Spanish. At age 50, he decided to pivot from the priesthood as he felt a calling to fatherhood. He returned to Rome for a brief time to renounce his vows as a Catholic priest.

Antonio married Monica Das on August 28, 1988, and soon after immigrated to the United States, where they now call home. They shared 37 years of growing a family, raising three children, sponsoring their Bengali family to the US and shared many precious memories. Soon after moving to the US, Antonio completed his Master's degree in Clinical Social Work. His compassion for others continued with his work as a counselor for those with substance use disorder and then his work for the Department of Children and Families. He was an avid gardener, lover of wine and food, a classic old western film fanatic, observer of abstract art and a promoter of physical activity as one way to positively impact one's mental health. As a father, he took every opportunity to expose his children to the wonders and realities of the world, as well as instilling his sense of community, social advocacy and commitment to others.

Antonio is survived by his wife, Monica; children Priscilla, Tonino, Sarah and son-in-law, Anthony; soon to arrive Carroll-Mapelli granddaughter; a large Bengali family and community in the United States; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews and their families in Milano, Italy. Antonio was preceded in death by his parents, Francesco and Luigia; and his siblings, Giuseppino, Adele, Mario, Lucia, Teresina, Aldo and Carlo.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 19th, from 4-7 p.m. at the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center Street in Manchester. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 20th, at 11 a.m. at Church of the Assumption, 27 Adams Street South in Manchester, burial to follow at St. James Cemetery.