James J. Pinto

James J. Pinto, 91, of Plantsville, formerly of Wethersfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Carol Derynioski Pinto. He was predeceased by his former wife Jan Pinto, and their son Anthony Pinto and his brother Francis Pinto.

Born and raised in Hartford, he was the son of the late James and Mary (Casanelli) Pinto. He graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1952, where he discovered his lifelong love of golf and was later honored with induction into the school's Hall of Fame for his achievements in the sport.

James proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War. Following his military service, he pursued his passion for education. He graduated cum laude from the University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962, earned his Master's degree from Central Connecticut State College in 1970, and completed his Sixth Year degree at the University of Connecticut in 1975.

Jim dedicated over 40 years of his life to teaching math and science in the Rocky Hill, Bloomfield, and Hartford school systems. He was a gifted educator who inspired generations of students with his patience, kindness, and enthusiasm for learning. Even after his retirement, his love for teaching remained strong, and he continued teaching part-time until 2014.

In addition to his devotion to education, Jim was an accomplished golfer. He won numerous amateur tournaments throughout his life and was a member of the golf team at the University of Hartford, where he won two tournaments and later became their golf coach. He was honored as Coach of the Year four times.

Jim will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his commitment to his students, his service to his country, and his lifelong love of golf. His quiet strength, humility, and generous spirit touched all who knew him.

In addition to his beloved wife Carol, he leaves his daughter Tiffany Gruno and her husband Brent, and his brother Robert Pinto and his wife Charlotte. He was predeceased by his son Anthony Pinto and his brother Francis Pinto.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, February 27th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 28th, at 11:30 a.m. at the Corpus Christi Church, 601 Silas Deane Hwy., Wethersfield. He will be laid to rest with military honors in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. To share a memory or condolence, please visit us at www.duksa.net.