It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Emilio J. DelMastro (Del) on Friday, April 26, 2024, while surrounded by his loving family. Emilio was born April 14, 1933, in Hartford CT and was the son of the late Antonio and Maria DelMastro. A devoted family man, he enjoyed Sunday dinners prepared by his loving bride of 63 years, Mary Rose (Horan). Emilio met our mother at Weaver High School in Hartford CT and they married soon after. While attending High School, Emilio was a 3 sport varsity athlete in football, basketball and baseball. His love of sports did not end at high school; he went on to officiate men’s high school basketball leagues for several years. Soon enough he along with Joe Cristalli started the Rocky Hill Midget Football League in the early 70s and enjoyed every second of coaching the teams.
He enjoyed beach days and ball games with his kids and grandkids. His dedication extended beyond his family to his lifelong friends with whom he enjoyed making wine, playing cards and golfing. Emilio was a devoted Red Sox fan and could often be found sitting in a lawn chair in the shade listening to the game on the radio.
He had an admirable career working at the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation in the survey/construction department, retiring after 46 years. He also worked for a short time with General Paving of Rocky Hill. Though retired, he didn’t retire quietly. A Land Surveyor, he started DelMastro Survey and was a well-known land surveyor in the greater Hartford area and beyond. It is joked that over the last 25 years, he surveyed or layed out practically every new home or building lot in Rocky Hill. He easily settled land disputes between owners with his highly accurate surveying skills.
Meeting Emilio was like meeting someone you already knew. He was kind, gentle and sincere. An introduction was typically followed by him repeating your name and a “Glad to know ya”! He always meant it. He would recall your name when he saw you again, sometimes days, weeks, months or several years later. He never had a bad word to say about anything or anyone and always found something good in any situation.
To us, his family, he was the greatest man and will be deeply missed. Emilio was predeceased by his eldest son Anthony; it brings us peace that he is reunited with him. He leaves to mourn his wife of 63 years Mary Rose, his children Deneen DelMastro, Joseph DelMastro and Laura, Annmarie Catania and Frank and his son-in-law Kirk Donegan. He adored his grandchildren, Frankie, Tyesha, Timmy, Vinny, Ally, Joey, Dominic and Grace.
He leaves his brothers, Peter and Phylis DelMastro and Humbert (Audrey) DelMastro and so many nieces and nephews. Emilio’s favorite saying was “Patience is a great virtue and accepts the good and bad in everyone as no one is perfect”. A true gentleman, who will forever live in our hearts.
The family would like to thank Jerome Home and the dedicated staff members including Annette, Calvin, Devin, Chantal, and the countless others; our hearts will forever be grateful for the wonderful care you provided our father and husband.
Family and friends are invited to the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield, on Wednesday, May 1, from 4 to 7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday May 2, at 11 a.m. in St Josephine Bakhita Parish, St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 280 Brook St, Rocky Hill. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. To share a memory or tribute, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com
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