Bettina Perito

1928 - 2026

Bettina Perito
January 6, 2026
Bettina Perito's long and full life came to a close on Jan. 6, 2026. She was 97, born the oldest of three children, on April 8, 1928, to Ceseare and Madeline (Cuomo) Diglio in New Haven, CT. Betty spent her life educating and caring for the people around her. She grew up in Fair Haven Heights, went to Southern Connecticut State Teachers' College and studied at Yale College for her teaching degree. While a counselor at Wexler's Day Camp, she met her husband, Vincent "Jim" Perito. They moved to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where they both taught school. Returning to Connecticut, she was a lifelong resident of East Haven, where she taught at St. Vincent De Paul's Parish School and then the Town of East Haven School district until retirement. Betty was a consummate educator, specializing in teaching reading in the primary grades. Her impact on her students was evident whenever she was out and about. Former students would rush over to greet her with affection, introducing their children to their "favorite teacher". After retirement, she enjoyed traveling to Europe and the Caribbean and spent many years as a winter resident in South Palm Beach, FL. Ultimately, she turned to educating her grandchildren, whom she adored. Betty spent much time volunteering at her church, the Lady's Guild, Hagaman Library and, lastly, at CT Hospice, well into her 90s. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was predeceased by her husband; sister, Madeline (Diglio) Slubowski; and twin grandchildren, Noah and Elyse Perito. She is survived by her son, James, (Anita); grandchildren, Katrina (Ben Perotin), Noah (Ashley Goodwin), Elena; and great-granddaughter, Arcadia; as well as her brother, Thomas Diglio; and many nieces and related cousins. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank her caregiver, Michelle Nocereto, without whom Betty's last two years would not have been so full and enriched.
Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation Monday morning from 8:30-9:30 at the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, and may attend her Mass of Christian Burial at St. John Bosco Parish in St. Mary Church, Branford, at 10:00. For directions and an online memorial, see www.wsclancy.com .