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BORN
1942
DIED
2019
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John Aversa Obituary
Dr. John Michael Aversa, born on July 20, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Virginia Aversa and the late A. John Aversa, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on June 4, 2019 in New Haven, Connecticut at age 76 after a valiant battle with cancer. Dr. Aversa is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Ellen Aversa; sons Dr. John Michael Aversa, Jr. (Heidi Aversa) and Dr. David Aversa (Claudia Moreno); daughters Dr. Kristen Aversa (Tassos Kyriakides) and Monica Aversa (Joel Velez); brother Joseph Aversa (Guizelda Aversa); sister Virginia Urzi (Emanuel Urzi); sister-in-law Joan deNapoli; grandchildren Gabrielle Aversa, Heidi Aversa, Tassos Kyriakides, Siena Kyriakides, Michael Aversa, Eleni Kyriakides, Josh Aversa, Bryson Velez, Johnny G. Aversa, and Adrianna Velez; nieces Mary Jager, Joyce McNiff, Carla Jennings, Lisa McKnight, Gina Rew and Tara Lindner; nephews Frank Urzi, John Urzi, John C. Aversa, Joseph Aversa, Rob de Napoli and Vincent Ferreri. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law Dr. Carl Ferreri and Dr. Robert deNapoli.
Dr. Aversa spent his life in service to others. He served as a General Surgeon in Morocco as a Lt. Commander in the US Navy from 1969-1972 and remained in the Naval Reserves for many years. His career as an Orthopedic Surgeon spanned 48 years. He was an Attending Surgeon at Yale-New Haven Hospital and Chief of Orthopedic Surgery and President of Staff at the former Hospital of St. Raphael. He was a partner of Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists since 1975 where he was instrumental in its growth and success. He served as its President for many years. Dr. Aversa was inducted as a Knight of Malta and joined their team of doctors in Haiti yearly since 2010 to provide free orthopedic care to those in need. For a decade, he traveled with The Knights to Lourdes, France on their annual pilgrimage to care for the malades. He was made a Knight of Honor at Notre Dame High School in West Haven in recognition of his years of volunteer service as team physician for their football and hockey teams. He was recognized as Connecticut Magazine's Best Doctor on multiple occasions and in 2009, he was named Physician of the Year by Business New Haven Magazine. Dr. Aversa's tireless dedication to his family, friends, patients, community, church and work has left a legacy of love, mentorship, achievement and generosity. Friends and family are welcome to attend the visitation on Sunday, June 9 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road, Woodbridge, Connecticut, 06525. A Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by The Most Reverend Peter Rosazza, will be celebrated on Monday, June 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Assumption Church. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dr. Aversa's honor to The Sarcoma Foundation of America (curesarcoma.org) or The Crudem Foundation for the Hôpital Sacré Coeur (crudem.org). Share a memory and sign Dr. Aversa's guest book online at www.iovanne.com. The Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc. is in care of his arrangements.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Aversa
Sponsored by NHRegister.com.
Tricia Walker
May 31, 2024
Dr. Aversa was my doctor for over 35 years. He was an incredibly intelligent man. He instrumental in keeping out of a wheel chair for 3 decades plus! He was a true gem! His family was blessed to have him . Hugs for their loss.
Dave and Faye Warner
David Warner
February 8, 2020
I'm quite embarrassed that I didn't leave a message to voice my sadness about the departure of this great man. Having known John since the 70's. When I was a EMT/Paramedic in New Haven and my wife an ER nurse at St Raphael's I have known John to be a friend and compassionate doctor. He had a calming affect on you when he entered the room and you never questioned his decisions. I'll personally miss you John. God bless you..
sue calistro
February 7, 2020
I just found out today of Dr Aversa's passing . I was also a patient of his for over 20 years . He performed around 10 surgeries on me . Over there years it was like going into see an old friend . Dr Aversa was a kind funny and awesome dr . I am saddened to hear of his passing . My sincere condolences to his family staff and friends
Roy Smith
October 1, 2019
So sorry to learn of Dr. Aversa's death. He was a talented surgeon a compassionate healer and a caring human being. He got to know us patients immediately on contact and made us feel safe and special in his care. He is the reason I have full mobility today. Thank you, Dr Aversa. I will never forget you.
Carl Sharon
September 6, 2019
I was saddened to learn of Dr. Aversa's passing. He was my knee surgeon for many years, performing surgeries and a knee replacement. I remember talking with him about his daughter's choice to join the Gospel Choir while she was a student at Yale. My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and friends.
Bonnie and Harvey Feuer
July 7, 2019
Dr. Aversa was a warm and caring physician. His presence made you feel better the minute he walked into the room. He will be missed by his countless patients. My heartfelt condolences to his family. May he forever rest in peace.
Tricia Walker
June 13, 2019
Rest in peace Dr. Aversa. You were my for doctor for over 35 years. You will be very missed, by many. It was an honor to know you. Prayers for family and friends. You are on my heart and in my thoughts.
Donald Kowalsky
June 11, 2019
I have known Dr. Aversa for over 40 years as a personal physician, health care colleague, mentor and most importantly a friend. We would talk frequently and when we crossed paths he always took time to chat and catch up on life, family and faith. His greatest love was sharing his gifts with those in greatest need. His service to all of God's children brought him great joy and I will always remember him as a faithful servant. He was so very proud of all his children and his family. I will dearly miss John but will always be thankful he was in my life. His sharing his many talents and good deeds touched many. I am certain he is resting peacefully with our Lord.
Sharon & Hal Hebb
June 10, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sue Mastriano
June 10, 2019
Our condolences to Dr. Aversa's family he was a great physician and caring individual.
Sue,Joe Mastriano and family
June 9, 2019
We are deeply sorry for the loss of a great doctor and a dear friend. We will miss him dearly. He was the best. May he rest in peace.
Mr. & Mrs. Louis Criscio
Joan Puglia
June 9, 2019
so sorry for your loss . Sal & Joan Puglia
Jeff Gtold
June 9, 2019
John will be missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies to the family.
VICKI and Jeff Gold
Brenda Pineau
June 9, 2019
A wonderful man, a true gentleman , and a kind and caring doctor. Saw him for various orthopedic care over 30+ years. Thank you Dr. Aversa for your compassion and dedication to this RN. May you rest in peace after your valiant fight. Blessings to the family you loved so dearly and were so proud of.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Brenda Pineau R.N.
Milford, Ct.
Lynn Maeland-Tobin
June 8, 2019
My condolences to the Aversa family. May time heal your sorrow and bring you peace.
I've been his patient for more than 17 years, gone through 3 surgeries, and numerous cries for help. He was always there for me. His experience, honesty and knowledge was comforting when it came time to make major decisions. None of which l regret.
My heart broke when l was told yesterday at my appointment. God has now decided it was time for him to come home where there is no pain, only the love and care from God. He'll be missed by so many.
May the family find comfort from the word of God, and a place in your heart for the wonderful memories he's left behind.
I thank him for all he's done. You're now in the comfort of God's arms.
Rest now Dr. Aversa,
Lynn Maeland-Tobin
Wallingford
David Sella
June 8, 2019
I first met Dr. Aversa when I was 8 years old. He and my father were partners at COS and I have many, many fond memories of him as I grew up playing with his children John, David, and Kristen. He was the first adult (probably the only adult) that insisted I called him by his first name like a friend (that felt like a big deal as a boy, and he always made me feel cool). As a young kid, I remember visiting my father at the office, and, as I walked down the hall I would get excited to also pop my head into Dr. Aversa's office and say, in my little voice, Hi-ya, John! He would give me a great big smile and say come on in, buddy!
Though I haven't seen him in many years, I miss him already and I'm very sad to hear of his passing. God bless you, John and rest in peace.
All my love and heart felt condolences to all the Aversa family. Peace be with you.
- David Sella
Elaine Selling
June 8, 2019
My heart gos out to you Ellen and family . John was a great man. Frank like talking to John on Sunday. Elaine Selling
David Warner
June 8, 2019
The world is minus one genuine person, doctor and healer. John we've known each other since the 70's and you're kindness has seen me and our family through more than one episode. One thing was for sure, I always looked forward to an appoinment with you, knowing we'd be sharing a laugh before parting ways.. God Bless you, your colleagues and your family.. you will be truly missed...
Gary Richetelli
June 7, 2019
John was an amazing man, Excellent physician, compassionate, sincere, caring not only about friends and family, but also about patients.
He will be missed by all, and remembered forever.
Gary Richetelli
Marie Farricielli
June 7, 2019
Dear Dr Aversa's Family,
I worked at Saint Raphael's a few years ago
I went to mass daily at the Chapel 12:00.
Dr Aversa was there most days when he could make it.
He was a Great Doctor and Great friend to all who
Were lucky to have known him.
God Bless
Marie Farricielli
Edie Picard
June 7, 2019
A wonderful man ..Outstanding Doctor ,Great boss and devoted friend.
John , May you Rest In Peace.
Edie Picard
vicky Pabon
June 7, 2019
great person and great doctor.
Gloria Cocchiaro
June 7, 2019
Thank you Dr Aversa may you rest in peace, our prayers are with you. From A patient you helped a long time ago.
Louise Ward
June 7, 2019
Will dearly miss Dr. Papa Aversa. His kind and professional care always turned into a delightful visit. A very special person. Will be missed.
June 6, 2019
On behalf of the Trustees and Staff at the Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools, we express our deepest sympathy to the Aversa family on this profound loss. Dr. Aversa was a remarkable man, kind, thoughtful and genuine. He had a "healing way" about him and made one feel like a member of his family almost immediately upon meeting. We are grateful for his efforts as a Trustee on our Board. Ellen and the Aversa family, we send you our prayers. Please know you will remain in our thoughts.
Cindy Howard
June 6, 2019
Found out today at Physical Therapy..
Was so sorry to hear the sad news.. My sincere condolences
to you , Ellen and to all the family members.
Sincerely,
Palma Mauceri
June 6, 2019
It was a pleasure to know John and Ellen many years ago when they were constructing their home in Woodbridge. My sympathy to Ellen and family. John Bellmore
Lisa L.
June 6, 2019
Although we met a few times, he left his mark on my heart, I share in your family's sorrow. He was a great man & beamed a kindness not often found these days. God Bless
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Memorial Events
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Jun
9
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Our Lady of the Assumption Church
81 Center Road, Woodbridge, CT
Jun
10
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Assumption Church
CT
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