Name: Visitation for David J. Crotta Sr.
Start: 2019-06-18T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-06-19T00:00:00.000Z
Location: West Haven Funeral Home - West Haven

Crotta, Sr., David J.
David J. Crotta, Sr., 87 of West Haven entered into rest on June 13, 2019. He was the husband of the late Theresa G. Crotta. Father of David J. (Linda) Crotta Jr., Christopher P. (Christine) Crotta and Elisa C. (Robert) Rice. Proud grandfather of Vincent Crotta, Nicolas Crotta, Robert Rice, Mark Crotta, Isabella Crotta, Patrick Rice and Emma Rice. Brother of Virginia (William) Wallace, Paul Crotta and Barbara (William) Graves. Mr. Crotta served in the US Army infantry during the Korean War. He graduated from UCONN in 1953 with a bachelors' degree in English and completed his masters and 6th year degree from SCSU with degrees in education and library science respectively. Mr. Crotta spent his long and dedicated teaching career in the West Haven Public School System. He met his beloved wife of 40 years at Thompson School, where they both began teaching. Later, he became the Foreign Language and Music Department Chair and Librarian at Giannotti and Carrigan Middle Schools, retiring in 1991 after 37 years. His 6th year thesis on reference materials was later published as a library resource housed in the State Library. In addition to his full time teaching, Mr. Crotta worked part time as the reference librarian at SCSU and as the bookkeeper for his brother's construction firm, Mesa Construction Company, of Bethany. Mr. Crotta was a devoted and doting father and grandfather and loyal and steadfast friend, who in retirement pursued his interests in gardening, classical Italian opera and travel. He was a devoted son of the church, and long-time communicant of St. Mary's Parish on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven.
Visitation will take place on TUESDAY from 4 to 8 pm at the West Haven Funeral Home at the green. On Wednesday morning the procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church at 10 o'clock. Interment, with full military honors, will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The St. Mary Parish Capital Campaign. To leave an online message for the family, please visit our website at
www.westhavenfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on Jun. 15, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for David Crotta

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13 Entries

David Winn

December 5, 2019

My deepest condolences to David's family for his loss (and a great one it is). I just learned today of David's passing and was saddened greatly. He and I exchanged many recordings and had many email discussions about music. We called each other the Northern David and the Southern David (since I live in VA). About 10 years ago, David graciously opened his home to me for the night after my traveling up by train from VA. He and I and a small group of other opera fanatics went to dinner and then to a performance of the Hartford Opera conducted by our friend Willie Anthony Waters. Afterwards we all talked opera and recordings and the performances we had attended for hours. Next morning, David gave me a tour of the sites of interest in the area, including the Samuel Clemens house and Yale. His hospitality, warmth and breadth of general knowledge and opera were extraordinary. He rhapsodized about his beloved family and especially about his (departed) wife of many, many years. I know they are now reunited and in eternal embrace. Rest in peace, dear David - you were one of a kind and true servant of God.

Chris Smit

November 22, 2019

After becoming worried that David was no longer answering my e-mails, I only just found out that he had departed this life in June, My (late) condolences to his family. He was a great friend (Though we never met face to face through my living in S Africa ) and he taught me very much about opera

Bobby Symmes

June 20, 2019

When he was a librarian at Giannotti Middle School (back in the late 1960's,) Mr Crotta instilled in me a love of reading that still exists some 50 years later. He had a kind and caring for his job that made my life much fuller for his place in it. My deepest condolences for your loss.

Bob Symmes

June 20, 2019

Mr. Crotta instilled in me a love for reading which still exists some 50 years later. I cannot thank him enough for his kindness and gentle leadership.

Marie & Peter Graves

June 18, 2019

David's cards and letters were always a joy to receive. Peter and i are so sorry that we cannot make the trip from Florida to be there with/for all who loved him so. Marie & Peter Graves

June 18, 2019

Elisa and Family
So sorry to hear about your Dad. Please accept my Condolences and Prayers for you and your family at this difficult time!
Love and prayers,
Linda Carlson

a loved one

Sent Flowers

William Grous

Sent Flowers

Lisa Flemmig

June 16, 2019

Elisa and family,

So sorry to hear about Mr. Crotta's passing. He will always be my favorite librarian and I'll remember the good times with him and friends in the Giannotti Library. What a guy!!! You are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Love to all.

Joe Dooley

June 16, 2019

Dave,
So sorry to read about the passing of your Dad. I hope you and your family find comfort in celebrating his long life.
Joe Dooley

Helen Blatchley

June 16, 2019

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the Crotta family at this sad time.

Lori Casbarro-Perolla

June 16, 2019

Prayers & love to Mr. C's family & friends. A man who had a hugely successful life !

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