Donald R. Falcetti

Donald R. Falcetti ObituaryLitchfield – Donald R. Falcetti, 92, passed away on November 4, 2024 at his Litchfield home. He was the loving husband of Barbara (Bishop) Falcetti for over 65 years. Don was born on November 12, 1931 in Berlin, Connecticut to the late Pietro and Josephine (Tinti) Falcetti. He was predeceased by his sister, Lois Guenther, and his brother, Pietro Falcetti.
Don graduated from Berlin High School in 1949, earned his Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the Teacher's College of Connecticut, and earned his Master's degree in Education from Western Connecticut State College. After completing his undergraduate degree Don served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957 before beginning a long career in public education.
Don resided in Litchfield since 1967 and was a devoted educator for over 64 years. He worked as a teacher in the Norwalk Public School System in 1954 and again from 1958-1967, before working for the Litchfield Public School System from 1967-1989. After retiring from Litchfield Public Schools he served for an additional 31 years as an elected member of the Litchfield Board of Education, as well as a volunteer on numerous school and town committees. In keeping with his educational roots, later in his life Don chronicled his upbringing as a child of immigrant parents by writing and publishing his own book.
Don's love for his students carried over to athletics, where he could often be found on the sidelines and courts cheering at Litchfield athletic events. Always ready with friendly advice or apples from his orchard for the students he loved, he was constantly sought out by students past and present. His support did not go unnoticed, as he was selected as the "Most Loyal Sports Fan" by Litchfield High School. Don also served on the committee responsible for the creation of the Litchfield Sports Booster Club and was honored for his support of Litchfield High School athletics by having an award created in his name, the Donald Falcetti Award, presented annually to a Litchfield High School student who uses sports to support and improve their educational opportunities. Don was also awarded with the Peter Dauten Award in 2013, presented annually to a member of the community who provides outstanding support to Litchfield High School.
Don loved gardening, fishing, and was an avid UConn fan. His gardening skills were known throughout Litchfield and he was always willing to share his knowledge and the fruits of his labors with friends and neighbors.
In addition to his wife, Barbara, Don is survived by five children, Keith Falcetti and his wife Kyong Suk, Lynn Loftus, Gina Falcetti, Laura Falcetti and her partner Hertz Knox, and Lisa Hansley and her husband Lee; 12 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews across several generations.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Litchfield High School Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 652, Litchfield, Connecticut 06759.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on November 16, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 49 South Street, Litchfield, Connecticut. In accordance with Don's wishes the burial will be a private ceremony.
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Litchfield – Donald R. Falcetti, 92, passed away on November 4, 2024 at his Litchfield home. He was the loving husband of Barbara (Bishop) Falcetti for over 65 years. Don was born on November 12, 1931 in Berlin, Connecticut to the late Pietro and Josephine (Tinti) Falcetti. He was predeceased by his sister, Lois Guenther, and his brother, Pietro