Andrew A. "Andy" Diotaiuto

DIOTAIUTO, ANDREW A. "ANDY DIO" It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Andrew A. "Andy Dio" Diotaiuto of 65 Messina Dr., East Haven. Andy ascended into the journey of everlasting life on August 9, 2012 at Grimes Nursing Center after a difficult but courageous battle with cancer. Andy was born December 11, 1940 to Carmel Salvati Colloso Diotaiuto of East Haven and the late Frank Diotaiuto (T-Rod) and resided in the Wooster Square area. He was the father of Tammy Diotaiuto of Pennsylvania and the late Anthony Diotaiuto of Florida. In addition to his mother, Andy is survived by his sister, Marie Notarino of Branford. He was the beloved uncle of Peter J. Notarino and great uncle of Arianna Notarino. Andy graduated from the University of Miami in 1966. He was a great lover of music and played the trumpet. In the 1960's and 70's he traveled extensively across the country and played lead trumpet for several different rock bands, among them were Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels and The Toys. During that time he recorded four number one hits. In recent years he worked as a DJ at local restaurants where he met many loyal friends whose kindness, generosity and encouragement made his suffering a little easier to bear. Andy was a member of the St. Andrew the Apostle Society and the Santa Maria Maddalena Society. A special thank you to all extended family members, especially the Diotaiuto and Colloso cousins. Their expressions of kindness, concern, support, love and affection helped him as he struggled with this painful challenge. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to Dr. David Hess for his thorough, ceaseless dedication and concern for his friend. Andy trusted him implicitly with his life. A special note to Dr. Hess from sister Marie, "In the struggle of denial to keep hope alive there was no acceptance." The family would also like to thank Dr. John Tara and the nursing staffs at St. Raphael's Hospital and Grimes Center for their compassionate care. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3-7pm at the IOVANNE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 11 Wooster Pl. A celebration of Andy's life will be held on Monday at a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Michael's Church at 10. He will be laid to rest in All Saints Cemetery. Andy was faithful in his religious observance. Those who wish may remember him with a memorial mass at St. Michael's Church, or at a church of one's choice. Sleep in the peace of God, Andy, you earned it.