Theodore John DiLorenzo

Theodore John DiLorenzo, 99, loving husband of Lorraine (Calano) DiLorenzo, entered into eternal life on July 2, 2024. Born on September 22, 1924 on Farmington Avenue in Hartford, CT, he was the son of the late Anthony Joseph Sr. and Mary (Daly) DiLorenzo. Ted, as he was affectionally known, was an extraordinary person, and he will be missed dearly by his family, friends and community.

A graduate of Saint Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT, Ted entered Trinity College, Hartford, before serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. At the conclusion of the war, he returned to Trinity to complete his degree, then went on to George Washington University Law School and a long and fulfilling career as an attorney, practicing in his hometown of Hartford.

In 1962 Ted married Lorraine, beginning a beautiful life together, full of family, friends and adventures. Along with his cherished wife of 62 years, Theodore leaves behind his three devoted children; James DiLorenzo (Evelyn) of Sag Harbor, NY, Amy Palagonia (John) of Brookfield, Connecticut, and Laura DiLorenzo (partner David) of New York, NY, and four loving grandchildren; Teddy, Graham, Chloe and Ava, his brother Richard (Sheila) and sister Mary, and many nieces and nephews, with a special thanks to niece Therese DiLorenzo. Ted is predeceased by his siblings: Florence, Anthony, Joseph and Thomas.

In addition to his 50 years practicing law, Ted was very active in Hartford and Connecticut politics, serving on the Hartford City Council; as the Chairman of the Hartford Republican party; Assistant Clerk of the Connecticut House of Representatives; Counsel to the Metropolitan District (MDC); and Republican candidate for Mayor of Hartford in 1973. Ted was a member of the Hartford Club and the Elks Club and a member of of St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church, Hartford.

Ted was passionate about education and improving the educational opportunities for Hartford’s children. He helped start the Metropolitan Academy in the City’s North End, and after retiring from law, Ted tutored children in the community, sharing with them his love of learning and reading. A gifted writer and speaker, Ted was a big thinker, a problem solver, and a wise counsel to many. The Hartford Courant published many of his letters to the editor over the years.

With an easy smile and a warm laugh, Ted was the best of company. He loved to sail, take walks with Lorraine, exchange ideas, and be in the moment with those he loved. When his birthdays came along and he was asked to make a wish, he always said to those around the table: “I wish for all of your wishes to come true.”In honor of Ted, may your wishes come true, too.

The family thanks Avery Heights for their care of Ted in his final years.

A Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life for Theodore will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Theodore’s name may be made to St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church https://spsact.org.