Valentino "Andy" Raimondi

Valentino “Andy” Raimondi, 88, of Hartford, beloved husband for 60 years of the late Philomena “Dolly” (Rucci) Raimondi, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Born in Hartford on January 19, 1933, he was the son of the late Rosario and Gemma (Daddario) Raimondi and lived his entire life in the city.

Andy graduated from Hartford Public High School in 1952 and worked at Royal Typewriter. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. In 2013, he took the Honor Flight to Washington, DC, for veterans. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Andy earned an associate degree in business from Hillyer College and was an insurance agent for John Hancock, earning accolades throughout his career. In retirement, he was a Crossing Guard at Naylor School in Hartford, where he earned an award for his commitment to student safety. He was also his wife’s primary caregiver as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

Andy’s greatest joy was to attend his grandchildren’s football, basketball, soccer games and swim meets as their biggest cheerleader. He was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants fan, enjoyed playing his favorite lottery numbers, and taking trips to the Saratoga Racetrack. He also enjoyed watching old westerns, his favorite being Gunsmoke.

A loving father and Poppy, with an incredible wit, charm, and sense of humor, Andy will be forever missed by his three daughters, Terri Raimondi O’Shea and husband Timothy of Southington, Susan Raimondi Sabatelli and husband Giuseppe of Newington, and Cristina Raimondi Garofalo and husband Edward of Cromwell and his four adored grandchildren, Timothy, Christina, Nicholas and Kaitlyn. He is also survived by his very special nieces and nephews, Jo-Marie Mielauskas and her husband Nicholas, Maryann Garza and her husband Larry, JoAnn Larson and her husband Stephen, and Jean Zubretsky.

In addition to his wife and parents, Andy was predeceased by his sisters Carmel Kurth, Theresa Riccio, Ann Miller, niece Diane Eichner Greer, and special in-laws Biagio and Angeline Rucci.

Special thanks goes to Andy’s niece Marlena Garza, Dr. Rawad Elias and staff of the HartfordHealthcare Cancer Institute, and staff at Apple Rehab in Cromwell for the compassionate care they provided Andy.

Andy’s calling hours will be Thursday, August 19, from 4-7 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. Funeral services will begin Friday, August 20, at 9 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Avenue, Hartford. Burial with military honors will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. To share a memory of Andy with his family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.