Gerald Desmond Dandrow

Gerald (Gerry) Desmond Dandrow, 89, of Southington, CT, peacefully passed away on August 7, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 7, 1934, in New Haven, CT, to the late Dorothy and Charles Dandrow. Spending his childhood in Wethersfield and West Haven Gerry was a hard worker and loved to spend time at Savin Rock, a favorite spot of his.

After graduating from Notre Dame High School of West Haven in 1952, he attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT, where he competed on the golf team before enlisting in the United States Navy and serving his country aboard the USS Leyte.

Gerry married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Platt, after meeting her on the way home from their Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) at Our Lady of Victory in West Haven. They were married on June 8th, 1957, and shared nearly 60 years together before Ann passed away in 2017. Together, they built a full life with a loving family, including their children, Gerald Dandrow, Susan Rapini (Dominic), Paul Dandrow (Jeanne), and Judith Dandrow. Surviving their grandfather, whom they called 'Pop,' are Katlyn Rapini, Thomas Rapini, Annie Rapini, Jonathan Dandrow, Christine Dandrow Hoffman (Seth), Maria Gayton (Zach), Blake Gatison, Amanda Augustine, and great-granddaughter Lela Augustine. Also mourning the loss of Gerry are sister-n-laws Maureen Temchin (Earl) and Elizabeth Suski (Bob) and many special nieces and nephews. Gerry will also be missed by his loyal dog and companion, Brandy.

Gerald Dandrow was a well-known figure in the community of Southington and the surrounding towns. For 55 years, he managed several regional supermarkets, including Pegnataros, Sussman Giant Food, and First National, serving the area's families. Gerry was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 15, and a devout parishioner of St Dominic’s Church in Southington, where he served as an Usher. Other community service included working as a Town Constable and a school crossing guard.

With a passion for politics, Gerry was a fixture in local politics, always to be seen at fundraisers, polling places, meet-and-greet events, and flag-waving activities - all in support of his beloved Ann Dandrow, who served the State of Connecticut as a Republican State Representative. Always front and center was Gerry’s love for the community and the country he served in the military.

As the family mourns the loss of a special father and grandfather, they are deeply touched by the outpouring of support from the community. The considerate, thoughtful care provided by the staff of Southington Care Center has been a source of comfort during this difficult time, and the family is grateful beyond words.

The family will receive visitors at DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 North Main Street, Southington, on Monday, August 12th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 13th at St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington. Interment with military honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Everyone who wishes to attend Mass is asked to gather directly at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerry’s memory to Southington Community Services. To leave a message of remembrance for the family, please visit www.dellavecchiasouthington.com