Alphonse D. Cannavaciolo Sr. of North Haven, a gentleman and a gentle man, entered into eternal rest at CT Hospice in Branford on August 13th, one day shy of his 92nd birthday. He was born in New Haven on August 14, 1930, the first son of the late Gennaro and Elizabeth (Alice) Carbone Cannavaciolo.
Alphonse graduated from Hamilton Street School and Hillhouse High School and then went to New Haven State Teachers College (now SCSU) for two years before transferring to New Britain State Teachers College (now CCSU) where he obtained his BS as a secondary mathematics teacher. He later received a MS from UCONN and a MALS from Wesleyan University.
He taught mathematics at area high schools, including North Haven and East Haven, as well as the University of New Haven. While at North Haven, he was the Math Team Advisor, North Haven Education Association President and coach of the Bowling team, for which he received the league’s award for Outstanding Service to Youth. While at East Haven, he was again the Math Team Advisor as well as the treasurer of the Greater New Haven Math League.
Al was involved in volunteer activities throughout his life. He received awards for distinguished service from the North Haven Cancer Crusade and Heart Fund for his fund-raising leadership. He served the Italian American Historical Society as its longtime treasurer.
As a member of the Pine Grove Men’s Club for more than 50 years, he had served as President and then Treasurer for 17 years. He received the Man of the Year Award from the club. He was a member and treasurer of the Board of the Ethnic Heritage Center and a member of the Board of Managers of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater New Haven. He served as President of the Boys and Girls Club Alumni and received a Gold Ring for his dedication to service of others.
Al was a communicant of St. Barnabas Church since he became a North Haven resident in 1958. He served as a lector and coordinator of lectors for 28 years and a Eucharist Minister for 9 years.
Al was proud of his family and cherished his time with them more than anything else. He was at almost every event in which his children and grandchildren were participating. He loved the Yankees, UCONN Women’s Basketball and bowling. He enjoyed his travels to Italy, Hawaii and Aruba, and frequent trips to Florida in the winter.
Alphonse is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Albina Sacco Cannavaciolo; his devoted daughters Teresa Souza of Windsor and Lisa Ferris and her husband Franklin Welch of Largo, Florida; and his loving son Alphonse Jr. and his wife Lisa (Grieco) Cannavaciolo and precious grandchildren Daniel and Alyssa Cannavaciolo of North Haven.
He also leaves his caring sisters, Anna (Alfred) Buono of Northford, Elizabeth East of North Haven and Geraldine “Jeanne” (William) Mioline of Branford, sisters-in-law Lillian Canna of Northford and Alice Canna of Orange and many loving nieces and nephews and their families.
He was predeceased by his brothers Joseph and Jerry Canna and brother-in-law Robert East.
Visiting hours will be held Saturday morning from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Barnabas Church at noon. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery.
Family and friends are asked to consider gifts to CT Hospice of Branford in Al’s memory.
My deepest and heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Al….He was a favorite at the Pine Grove Meetings and so well liked…He will be remembered in Prayer at our next meeting…..Marty Carlo
So sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Cannavaciola. He was a wonderful man and excellent teacher during his years at the North Haven High School. He will be missed. My deepest sympathy.
Our deepest condolences to you Terry and your entire family during this difficult time . I remember Tom and your dad talking about the Yankees. He was a lovely and caring man and I just know he will be missed by you all. We will keep him and your family in our prayers. My Al RIP🙏
Dear Mrs. Cannavaciola and Family,
Please accept my sincerest sympathy and condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Cannavaciola or Mr. “C” as we called him, was my homeroom teacher and Mrs. “C” you were my math teacher in 7th grade at the Village Street School. All wonderful memories. He Was a gentle man and a gentleman. May he rest in peace and may all of your memories help you through this difficult time. Most sincerely, Katie Pope Fuchs
Mr.Cannavach!!—-May you rest in peace! You kept us Easties on our toes!!A great educator with an awesome personality!!You will always be fondly remembered! !May God speed peace to your family&May they find comfort in knowing the next time you meet you shall never part again!!
So very sorry to just hear of Mr. Cannabaciola’s passing. He was my math teacher in North Haven. He was a great guy and great teacher.