Todd Louis Massari, 28, of Hamden passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Smilow Cancer Hospital/Yale New Haven with his family by his side. Todd was born in New Haven on January 25, 1988; beloved son of John and Rose Ciresi Massari; received a Bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University and during his college years he volunteered for the Habitat for Humanity. After graduating college he served 19 months with the Peace Corps in Bohol, Philippines doing coastal resource management. Todd was a certified scuba diver; a “Giant Master” (he hiked all trails at Sleeping Giant State Park); he enjoyed running cross country, rowing and swimming; was a die-hard Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fan. The family would like to extend a “Special Thank You” to his favorite physican, Dr. Martin Katz, all of the staff at Verdi 4 West at the St. Raphael’s campus/Yale New Haven, all the doctors and medical staff at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, all the doctors and medical staff at the Smilow Cancer Hospital, and especially his good friend Rev. Sandy Belcher for her spiritual guidance and support. Brother of Peter (Esther) Massari. Grandson of Maria Ciresi and the late Salvatore Ciresi, Louis and Madeline Massari. Nephew of Louis (Joanne) Massari, Linda (Michael) Wronski, Anna Ciresi, Joanne (Kevin) Barrett, Rita Ciresi and Jeff Lipkes. Uncle of Mathias Massari. Cousin of Derrick & Jessica Wronski, Celeste Lipkes, Dylan and Alana Barrett, Gina Massari. Also survived by his loving girlfriend Nicole Collins. Todd leaves many loyal friends who were a constant support during his long illness.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue Friday morning at 9:15. A Mass of Christian burial will celebrated in St. John the Baptist Church, New Haven at 10:00. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Thursday from 5 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Todd L. Massari Scholarship, at Hamden High School, c/o the School Counseling Office, 2040 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, CT 06514.
Todd's smile always brighten my days as he walked past me through the halls of Hamden High School during my first year as an assistant principal. My prayers are with Todd's family and his friends during this difficult time.
Todd was one of my closest friends while at Roger Williams. His smile and overall enthusiasm for life could brighten up any room that he walked into. He truly made anyone feel special and loved to just talk and share stories. Thoughts and prayers go out to Todd's family and friends during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Todd was an amazing person and always brightened anyone's day. He will truly be missed.
I only had a few classes with Todd in high school and didn't know him super well (a number of mutual friends though), but I knew him well enough to know that he was an incredibly kind, thoughtful, and smart guy with a big heart. Despite the fact that we probably hadn't interacted over the last ten years outside of a few Facebook messages, news of his passing was jolting and hard to hear, which I think speaks volumes about the type of friendly soul he was. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
While I never got to meet Todd in person, I was fortunate to get to see photos of some of his and Nicole's happy moments on social media. I am so grateful to have gotten to know Nicole while she was here teaching on the Rosebud. She is a very special person, and I care for her so very much. While there are no words to ease the pain of your loss,I am hoping that the support and love you receive from friends and relatives will help you through this difficult time.
Miss you Todd.. Glad you are in a better place.!
Todd and I rowed crew at roger Williams university. He was a teammate that everyone looked up to for his constant hard work and dedication. His smile was contagious even at 4:30am. Thoughts and prayers to his entire family friends during this heartbreaking time.
I'll always have vivid memories of meeting him at Ridge Hill with his friendly smile, cowlick hair, and glasses. He was always super smart and one of the kindest and most generous guys I knew from Hamden. He will be missed.
Todd was a very courageous , accomplished person
Though his life was short he will be remembered always by all who knew him
My prayers are with you at this time of sadness
Fly high with angels Todd. I'm sorry that we lost contact after graduating. Rest in peace my friend <3
I was friends with Todd early on in high school – mostly freshman year. We met in band class, sometimes had lunch together, and went on the band trip to NYC together. Although it's been 10+ years since I've seen or talked to him, I remember him having an infectious personality and a great sense of humor. He was an all around great guy – the best of the best. I'm deeply saddened to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this extremely difficult and emotional time.
Todd was one of my favorite RAs during my time at Roger Williams University. He was an absolute joy to both live with and work with during my sophomore year/his senior year. He introduced me to "Eskimo King" ice cream, and we used to cheer for the Patriots together. His smile was contagious. His passing breaks my heart. I am so sorry for your loss. Todd was a wonderful young man.
Dearest Rose, John and family,
My heart is broken for you at the loss of such a great, young man. Todd accomplished so much and gave his all to others during his too short time here. He fought cancer valiantly. I am inspired by all of you. I have never known a family who gave as much support through this fight as the Massaris did – Peter giving his brother the transplant he needed, and you and John living in and traveling to Houston for months and months so that Todd could get his treatment. And these are just the few things I know. May you now have the support and love of others as you go through this difficult time. May Todd be at peace. Know that I am thinking of you with love and sending prayers your way. God bless. Love, Katherine
Todd was one of the first people I met through Impact, quite literally 2 days before my stem cell transplant. He was so kind and spent so much time with me, just talking about whatever nonsense I wanted. I will always be grateful for the few moments I was able to spend with him.
My condolences to the family. Todd was one of our graduate student assistants here in the Biology department at Southern Connecticut State University. Such a pleasant young man.
No more pain. He's at peace now.
My condolences to his family, friends and Nicole. My heart rest in peace.
Todd was part of the CRM 269 volunteers I managed when I was with Peace Corps Philippines. He always stood out of all people by his mild mannered character, big heart and dedication in his work. Those of us who got to know him we were very lucky for having crossed paths with his path. He will be missed by all his family, friends and people whose lives he touched. To his family, my sincerest condolences.
I rowed at Roger Williams University with Todd. He was a friend to all. I am very sorry to learn about his passing but hope his memories bring peace to his family.
My thoughts and prayers are with Todd and his family. We went to elementary school together as kids and in high school. A great guy who will be missed. Be in peace and God Bless
I'm so sorry you have left us, Todd. It was a pleasure knowing you and seeing your smiling face in Young Adults group. I also want to extend my condolences to your family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your spirit will live on, not only in the Young Adults group at Ann's Place, but in the lives of your family and friends.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Todd. It is very unfortunate to lose a promising man at such a young age. I was Todd's training manager in Peace Corps Philippines.
Sending positive vibes of comfort, healing and encouragement to you all at this very difficult time.
I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please know that God is aware of your suffering and he cares about you. ( 2 Corinthians 1 : 3,4 ) . I pray that you are able to find comfort in God's promise of paradise where there will be no more pain and sorrow (Revelation 21 : 4, 5 ) and the many wonderful memories of your beloved becoming a reality in the future resurrection. (Acts 24 : 15). Please accept my sincere condolences.
I met Todd at Wintergreen Magnet School or "WIMS" as we called it. Smart, friendly, and determined is how I remember him. Although often shy, you can tell Todd was someone who would say something interesting or funny to intrigue you or make you feel like you can say anything and completely be yourself. He wouldnt ever be offended. Prayers are with you all.