John B. DiPaola

1945 - 2024

John B. DiPaola
John Batista DiPaola of New Haven died suddenly in Norwich on March 20, 2024. He was the husband of Mary Lou Apuzzo DiPaola. John was born in Amorosi, Provincia di Benevento, Italy on June 21, 1945 to the late Pasquale and Maria Ferrucci DiPaola.
He was the owner of Caffe Bravo, an iconic New Haven restaurant, for the last 30 years.
In his early years, John served in the Italian Army and received special recognition for responding to the devastating floods of Florence, Italy in 1966. In 1969, John arrived in New Haven with one suitcase, speaking no English, and a dream of building a new life. His innate work ethic was extraordinary, working three construction jobs to ultimately save enough money to send for his parents and nephew/brother, Frank. His ambition of a new life and owning his own home was coming to fruition.
He met his love, Mary Lou, at a single's dance at Amarante's in 1974. Unbeknownst to Mary Lou, John was on a committee to organize a dinner dance in the basement of Saint Michael's church, and that was their official first date.
In difficult economic times, John lost his job so he seized the opportunity to begin his career in entrepreneurship, opening a fruit and vegetable market named Willow Farms on Orange Street. He promised Mary Lou a larger home to raise their children, Melissa and Mark Peter. In 1985, he fulfilled that promise when the family moved to North Haven in a house that sits on a foundation that John originally dug, often giving the kids rides in the backhoe.
John and Mary Lou then worked toward his dream of owning an Italian restaurant. In March 1994, 30 years ago to this month, John and Mary Lou opened Caffe Bravo, a staple of the East Rock neighborhood. They met many great customers and members of the community over the years that ultimately became dear, long-lasting friends. John is an absolute legend on Orange Street and will be remembered for his warm smile, genuineness and, of course, homemade Italian delicacies.
Later in life, having worked incredibly hard, John decided to treat himself for once, purchasing his dream car, a Ferrari 430. John and Mary Lou enjoyed many long Sunday rides, even driving to Montreal for the Formula One race.
John's compassion, authenticity, humor, work ethic, sincerity and generosity will carry on for eternity through all that he gently touched throughout his life.
John was the father of Melissa (David) Knight and Mark Peter (Cristiana) DiPaola. Loving grandfather to John and Juliana DiPaola and Luca Knight. Brother of Pietro and Frank DiPaola and the late Rosa Velardi, Gabriella DiPaola, Linda Saracco, and Anna DiPaola.
Visiting hours will be Sunday from 3-6 p.m. in the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc., 11 Wooster Place, New Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Michael Church/Blessed Michael McGivney Parish Monday at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or The Assistance Fund https://tafcares.org/. Share a memory by visiting John's Tribute page at www.iovanne.com.