Obituary of Richard A. DiDonato

Retired Principal of Hillcrest Junior High School Richard A. DiDonato Sr., age 72, of Southport, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2012 with his loving family and friends at his side. Richard was born in Brooklyn on March 25, 1940 to the late Anna Vitalie DiDonato. He was predeceased by his former wife Judith Becker DiDonato and his brother-in-law Williams Crooks. Richard graduated in 1958 from Central High School and later received bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Connecticut and University of Bridgeport. Richard was an educator and started his teaching career as a math teacher in Norwalk and then began his career in the Trumbull Public School System where he was a math teacher at Trumbull High School, math department head at Hillcrest Junior High School and then Assistant Principal at Madison Junior High School. He then became the youngest school administrator in Connecticut as principal of Hillcrest Junior High School. After his retirement from education, Richard had a successful career in real estate. Richard loved his long walks at Southport beach, trips to Block Island, Fire Island, NY City and Newport, and shooting pool with his buddy Bob. He had a contagious enthusiasm for life and his life was centered on taking care of his family and friends. Survivors include his beloved sister, Dolores Crooks; his fiancee Diane Bader and her children, Darren, Elise and Alex; his daughter Debra Greenwood and her husband Chris; his son Richard DiDonato and his wife Cathy. He also leaves his nieces Lori Starr and her husband Gary, Susan Colon, and Kerri Schaefer and her husband Chris, whom he loved as his own children. He took special joy as grandpa to Kara, Rod, Mary Jo, Meggie, Aly, Michael, Ginny, Morgan, Keeley, and Mikayla. Funeral Information A memorial service celebrating his life will take place on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday from 4-8 p.m.