Peter Dan Cimini

Peter Dan Cimini died peacefully on July 19, 2025, with his family by his side. Peter was born in the Bronx, New York to Peter and Assunta (Susan) Cimini on August 12, 1933. He grew up in an extended and loving family including his "second parents" Uncle Donato (Dan) and Aunt Kate. He graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx where he captained the undefeated 1951 football team. He received his BA and a Master of Education from New York University.

Peter taught physical education at PS 82 (Macombs Junior High) in New York where he met his wife Virginia Fontana. He and the family lived in New York until 1970 when he was hired by the Newington Public School system as the Director of Health Education. He served in different capacities throughout his career with the Newington Public School system and was best known for his time as the Athletic Director. Peter understood that young people learned in different ways and was an early advocate of educating not just the mind, but addressing the feelings and self-concept of every child. His colleagues respected and loved him for his humanity and kindness. Peter eventually retired in 1996 but never slowed down.

Throughout his life, Peter remained active, both physically and mentally, and spent much time in his gardens and yard. The results were an ever bountiful vegetable garden, beautiful flower beds, and well-tended plants, inside and outside. Skilled as a bread baker, he supplied his family and friends with many loaves. He had a curious mind, an adventurous spirit and a love of jazz music. He published two novels and filed and received two patents during his life. Never deterred by a challenge, he learned to sail, play the tuba, and entertain others with his player piano and washboard. An avid and dedicated New York Giants fan for over 75 years, he rarely missed a game and took out his frustrations with the team by regularly writing to the General Manager, coach and others to clear his head. Unfortunately, there were many letters sent over the years and even some replies!

Peter focused on treating others as he would want to be treated. He volunteered at Mercy House in Hartford and enjoyed travelling with Virginia. Peter was never prouder than when sharing the fascinating stories of his grandparents, dad, uncles, aunts and cousins who emigrated from a small village in Abruzzo Italy (Opi) to United States. The values learned through these experiences helped shape his life and the entire extended Cimini family. Along with his cousin Leopoldo he helped to document that diaspora journey in writing, pictures and storytelling.

Most of all, Peter enjoyed time with his seven grandchildren, each with their own Poppa designated affectionate nickname: Katie Cimini (Sweet Pea), Sam Cimini (Slugger); Bella Cimini (Chou-Chou), Matilda Adair (Cocozelle), Jem Adair (Satchmo), Anaya West (Pumpkin), and Chloe West (Buttercup). He loved to make them laugh hysterically because he believed so strongly in the benefits of laughter and joy for children.

Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife Virginia Fontana Cimini, his siblings and their spouses Frances (Francis) Fasano, Leopold (Joan) Cimini and Barbara (Bob) Sidlinger, his brother-in-laws Richard Fontana and Bro. George Fontana and many cousins. He was the loving father of PJ (Jackie) Cimini, Christine Cimini, Cara (Bill) Adair, brother-in-law to Lucille Fontana, and proud uncle to many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Margaret (Ama) for all her support and care of our father.

Visiting hours will be at the Duksa Family Funeral Home Burritt Hill located at 332 Burritt St. New Britain, on Thursday, July 24th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 25th at 10:00 am at St. Patrick St. Anthony Church at 285 Church Street, Hartford. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp., 221 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06106 or online at (www.mercyhousingct.org/donate). To share a memory with the family please visit us at www.duksa.net.

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