John DeFonzo, of Hamden passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital on Sunday, May 31, 2015; just two months shy of his 90th birthday. The son of the late Antonio and Jenny DeFonzo, he was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Filomena (Phyllis), as well as his siblings Concetta Bove and Madeline, Marion, Dominic, and Michael DeFonzo. He is survived by his daughters, Janice (Kevin) Regan of North Haven and Elaine (Gary) Serio of Guilford. John is the proud grandfather of Lindsey (Brad) Allard and Kevin Regan, Jr. of Hamden, Shelby Regan of Brookline, MA and Jamie and Brittany Serio of Guilford. John is also survived by his great-grandsons, Ryan and Evan, as well as his sister-in-law, Joan Mastrantonio, and several nieces and nephews. A 1942 graduate of Commercial High in New Haven, John was a Confidential Yeoman Second Classman in the United States Navy. He was the Superintendent of Public Buildings for 22 years for the town of Hamden. Prior to that, he was employed by the United Nuclear Corporation. John enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Prihillian Social Club. His family would like to thank the VNA Community Healthcare of Hamden and the staff and nurses at Yale New Haven Hospital.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside funeral service in Centerville Cemetery, Washington Avenue, Hamden on Wednesday at 10:00 am. There will be no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Closer to Free Fund for the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508. The North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, has been entrusted with the arrangements.