Carlo Magno

Carlo Magno, 78, of Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Hartford Hospital. A beloved brother, cousin, mentor, and friend, Carlo will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, gentle humor, and deep love for family, community, and learning.

Born on January 4, 1947, in Aulpi di Sessa Aurunca, Province of Caserta, Italy, Carlo was the devoted son of the late Alessandro and Angela (Cestrone) Magno. In 1962, Carlo immigrated to the United States with his mother, joining his father, brother, and many extended family members in their shared pursuit of a new, and different, life in America. He attended schools in Hartford and Bloomfield, graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1966. Carlo proudly served in the Connecticut Army National Guard, carrying that same sense of duty, responsibility, and service throughout his life.

A lifelong educator, Carlo earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish with concentrations in Italian and Mathematics, as well as a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education, from the University of Hartford. He later completed a Post-Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at Central Connecticut State University. Carlo dedicated 31 years to teaching mathematics at Bulkeley High School, retiring in 2005. During his tenure, he served as Head of the Math Department from 1990 to 1998, taught AP Mathematics from 1980 to 2002, began a for-credit Calculus 1 and 2 program affiliated with the University of Hartford in 1994, and was an advisor to the Bulkeley Math Team and co-advisor to the Bulkeley Italian Club.

Following his retirement, Carlo continued doing what he loved most—sharing his knowledge and encouraging others—by teaching at the postsecondary level as an adjunct mathematics instructor at the University of Hartford–Hillyer College and as an Italian instructor at several institutions. A true lifelong learner, Carlo was a member of the Connecticut Italian Teachers Association since 1974, the American Mathematical Association, the American Association of Teachers of Italian, and the Connecticut Organization of Language Teachers.

An avid soccer and college basketball enthusiast, Carlo loved watching games both in person and on television, with a special affinity for the UConn and University of Hartford men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as the Italian national soccer team (Forza Azzurri!). As a player on the University of Hartford men’s soccer team and in adult recreational leagues, Carlo shared his love of the game as the longtime coach of the Bulkeley High School Girls Soccer Team from 1978 to 2003. His dedication and service earned him the Jaycee Soccer Service Award and the Connecticut Girls Soccer Association Coaching and Service Awards. Carlo was a founding member of the Connecticut Girls Soccer Association and served as Secretary from 1976 to 1985 and Vice President from 1985 to 1987.

Fiercely proud of his Italian heritage and deeply committed to giving back, Carlo volunteered thousands of hours to numerous organizations. He was an active member of several Italian social clubs, including the Sons of Italy, UNICO of Greater Hartford, the Hartford Jaycees, the Mt. Carmel–St. Cristina Society, and the Our Lady of Grace Society. From 1978 until 2021, he co-hosted—alongside his brother Antonio and close friend Mario Grietti—the Italian radio program Carosello Musicale Italiano, which promoted Italian music, culture, news, and guest interviews every Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Carlo also volunteered with the CONI–Italian National Olympic Committee and CONI–USA, representing New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut at the Youth Games in Italy.

Carlo’s greatest joy came from spending time with family and friends, engaging in conversation and lively debates, sharing laughs and memories of the past, and enjoying a good meal and an even better cup of espresso (with maybe a sfogliatella too). In his calm and unassuming manner, Carlo had a gift for making people feel welcome and included. He enjoyed a good laugh and his lighthearted (and sometimes sarcastic) sense of humor and storytelling brought comfort, smiles, and laughter to those around him. He deeply valued relationships and understood the importance of being present in the lives of others.

While Carlo never shied away from larger social gatherings, he also cherished the quiet moments spent testing his newest tech gadgets, tending to the potted plants lining his deck, or engaging in one-on-one conversation.

Carlo will be remembered for always lending a helping hand, offering quiet support, or sharing his knowledge, without expecting anything in return. A quiet, generous, and selfless man, he lived a life rooted in kindness, integrity, service, and humility. Whether actively engaging in conversation or simply sitting back and listening, Carlo’s presence was always warm, steady, and reassuring.

A loving brother, Carlo will be deeply missed by his brother, Antonio Magno of Hartford, cousin Costantina Magno of East Hartford, as well as by numerous extended family members and friends in both America and Italy whose lives he touched and who will forever cherish his memory. Among the many meaningful friendships Carlo had, special thanks are extended to Tony DiPietro and Elma Rioux whose presence, love, and unwavering support were constants in his life and meant more to him than words can express.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 20, from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church of Christ the King Parish, 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Entombment will follow at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carlo’s memory may be made to Connecticut Foodshare at https://www.ctfoodshare.org/ or the CT Children’s Medical Center Foundation at https://www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org/ To share online expressions of sympathy with the family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com