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Judith L. DeCaprio

Judith L. “Judy” DeCaprio of Branford, died Nov. 16 at the Branford Hills Health Care Center. She was the beloved wife of the late John A. DeCaprio. Judy was born Aug. 2, 1940 in New Haven, a daughter of the late Anthony and Lucy Sagnella LaVorgna.

She was a graduate of West Haven High School and received both her undergraduate and master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, where she first met John. Judy and John were married for nearly 60 years and were fiercely devoted to each other. They traveled the world together and shared many adventures, including their love of cooking. Together they raised four children, and their home (and kitchen) were always a hub of activity where food was plentiful, and friends were ever present. In 1961, Judy began her teaching career as a fourth grade teacher at the Pine Orchard School in Branford. She took a hiatus to have her family and returned to teaching in 1978, as a special education teacher at Branford Intermediate School (BIS). From 1981 to her retirement in 2001, she taught social studies and American history on an eighth grade team at BIS, now Walsh Intermediate School. She also chaired the history department from 1996 to 2001. Judy received the Faculty Excellence Award in 1984 and the Celebration of Excellence in 1990. She was a member of the Branford Education Association Executive Board from 1992, until her retirement. She served as vice-president and grievance co-chair from 1995 to 2001. She was a strong advocate for teachers, but more importantly, she was a true champion for her students. Judy loved teaching and her feisty, energetic classroom presence engaged even the most reluctant student! She was an avid sports fan, always boisterously cheering on her children’s and grandchildren’s teams.

She is survived by her children: John A. (Sarah) DeCaprio Jr. of East Haven, Jeffrey D. (Annie) DeCaprio of Hooks, Texas, Jenine D. (Frank) Gesino of East Lyme, and Joseph M. (Dorothy) DeCaprio of Durham; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

It was Judy’s wish that we gather together to celebrate the beauty of life rather than be mired in grief. To that end, we respectfully ask those attending Mass to wear cheerful colors to help us honor our mother. Relatives and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in St. John Bosco Parish at St. Therese Church, 105 Leetes Island Road, Branford. Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. There are no calling hours. For directions and online memorial see www.wsclancy.com.