Henry B. "Hank" Daverio

Henry "Hank" B. Daverio, 78, of Plainville and Englewood, Fla., died Dec. 21, 2011. He was the husband of Eileen T. (Chester) Daverio.

He was born Sept. 15, 1933, in Bronx, N.Y., the son of the late Enrico and Betty (Bechetti) Daverio. He graduated from New Britain High and went on to the University of Bridgeport where he found his passion for the sciences. He received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. From there, he served as a manager in the research and development labs for Fafnir Bearing, later known as The Torrington Company. He was a dedicated and hardworking employee for more than 40 years, and made notable contributions to the field of ball bearings. After retirement, he loved spending time on his boat. On sunny days, he could always be found in Mystic, casting a fishing line into the clear blue waters. Still above all else, he loved spending time with his family and enjoyed every moment he could with his grandchildren.

Besides his loving wife, Eileen, he leaves a son, Henry R. Daverio and his wife, Betsy; his daughter, Liz Roper and her husband, Steven; his grandchildren, Rebecca and Katherine Roper and Molly Daverio; his sister, Carol Tavarozzi and her husband, Carlo; a special fishing buddy, Charlie; along with several nieces and nephews; and Michael Boyko, to whom he acted as a father-figure. He was predeceased by his first wife, Gloria (Aparo) Daverio. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Neil Wasserman and Dr. Robert Siegel for their compassion and care.

A celebration of his life will be held Dec. 27, 2011, at Bailey Funeral Home, Plainville, followed by a Mass at Our Lady of Mercy Church, Plainville. Burial followed at St. Joseph Cemetery, Plainville. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through the St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142.