Printer Friendly Version - Dave Onofrio: Giving Back to the Communities He Loves

Dave Onofrio enjoys being immersed in the towns he lives and works in through a myriad of charity work, which he does with his wife Debbie and son Joshua (pictured) and his two daughters. Photo courtesy of Debbie Onofrio

Dave Onofrio has not only been a resident of North Haven for his whole life, but he has lived on the same property since he was born. His father bought an old farm and as his five children grew, he gave each of his children a lot where they have raised their families.

“It’s a little compound,” says Dave. “It was great for our kids because all the cousins would play together. It was a good experience and they loved it.”

While Dave went to college pursuing a degree in special education, he worked in construction to pay his way. He did an internship during his senior year, asking the principal if there would be any openings after he graduated. There were two.

“After I found out about the openings, I asked about the pay and he said it was $7,800 for full-time,” says Dave. “Even though I loved it, I couldn’t make it work, so after college, I went right back to construction.”

Dave opened his own business, Total Construction, based out of Branford nearly 35 years ago. The company does commercial and residential construction. He and his wife Debbie also opened Total Kitchens & Bath. Their son Joshua is also a partner in the business.

The family not only works together, but volunteers together, as well, in both their hometown of North Haven and in Branford where their businesses are based. The Onofrios’ two daughters are also involved in the charity work.

While Dave never pursued a career in special education, it was still close to his heart and for the past 20 years, Total Construction has been a supporter of a golf tournament to benefit ACES, the regional school service that operates the Center for Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders in addition to arts and sciences magnet schools.

Seeing the success of hosting a golf tournament fundraiser, Dave and his company were involved in running several others over the years. When a friend of Dave’s underwent surgery to remove a tumor in his neck and was paralyzed during surgery, they held a golf tournament fundraiser.

“That one really took my breath away. He was an architect and we’d worked together a lot,” says Dave. “We ran the tournament so he could return home to an ADA-accessible house. The kids were really involved with that one because they knew him and it hit close to home. When they see the community come together, it’s something they really embrace and understand what it’s all about.”

The Onofrios have three children—Joshua, who has a bachelor’s degree in education, but works for Total Construction; Brittany Mirles, who volunteers her time with her family; and Melissa Jones, a teacher at the St. Rita School in Hamden. The couple also has two grandchildren and another on the way.

“They realize how fortunate they are and they’re all hard workers,” says Dave. “My immediate family puts in a lot of time toward volunteer work. We learned it from my dad. My grandfather started a meat market about 70 years ago and my father took it over. My dad was such a big-hearted person that he’d give half the store away. That’s where we got it from.”

Now Dave’s father and brother own two factories in New Haven, one that produces tomato sauce and another that processes fruit and produce.

Dave has been married to Debbie for 39 years and she, too, is very involved in the volunteer work.

“My wife is the spearheader of what we do and she puts a lot of time and energy into it,” says Dave, who was also a volunteer basketball coach. “We work together, we golf together, and we’ve been very fortunate that we have such a good relationship. She’s such a hard worker and I just try to keep up with her.”

As a Branford business owner and a golfer, Dave wanted to do something to contribute to the Branford community as well. He approached Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove to find out where his help could be most used. Cosgrove connected Dave with Pat Andriole.

Andriole had just founded Feed Branford Kids and was looking to get it up and running. Dave, his family, and his company got on board and helped organize the inaugural golf tournament last year, which raised $51,000.

“When I spoke to Pat, I fell in love with her—she’s in her 70s, has so much energy, and is so dedicated to the town of Branford,” says Dave, who is also a member of the Branford Rotary Club. “A golf tournament makes for a great day. People come out, have a great time, open their hearts, and open their pockets. There is such a camaraderie with neighbors, friends, and contractors—it’s like one big family.”

While Dave is involved with the Feed Branford Kids Golf Tournament, he extends the majority of credit to the board that includes Andriole, his wife, his daughter, Sue Barnes, and more. This year’s tournament is Tuesday, Sept. 20 at the New Haven Country Club and includes golf, dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, contests, and more.

“We’re hoping to do just as well, if not better, this year,” says Dave. “Without the golf committee, we’d be nothing. They’re the heart and soul of what they do. It is so inspiring to see these women tackle the charity. They do such a phenomenal job.”

Dave also does charity through Home Depot in North Haven. Total Construction donates the use of its trucks, trailers, and vans to deliver toys during the holidays. Dave received the Home Depot Community Service Award for his efforts in March.

“We try to affiliate wherever we can,” says Dave. “The bottom line is we want to help others who are less fortunate and when we find a cause we can help, that’s what we need to do, whether it’s an individual or an organization. We try to be there as a good neighbor. “

For information on the upcoming golf tournament, visit www.feedbranfordkids.com.