Dr. Theodore Edward Astarita, Jr., 94, died peacefully on January 6th at Connecticut Hospice in Branford after a brief illness. Born May 29, 1928 in New Haven, he was the son of Teodoro Astarita Sr. and Immaculata Madonna. Predeceased by his brother Edward Astarita (Marylyn Johnson). He was the loving husband of Natalie Marie Astarita (Berardesca) for 59 years. Ted met Natalie in 1960 and they married at Saint Michael’s Church, New Haven in 1963. They built their home on family property in North Haven and cultivated a warm and welcoming home together while gardening and raising their family. In addition to his wife, Ted is survived by his children Ann S. Astarita (Stephen Zakur) , Theodore E. Astarita III, Rebecca M. Astarita (Ron King) of Erin, TN, and David T. Astarita (Kristine Campagnuolo). Ted had four grandchildren, Alyssa Astarita, Christopher Zakur (Jennifer Zakur) Santa Clara, CA, Samuel Zakur, and Katherine Astarita. Ted enjoyed the company of his large extended family with numerous nieces and nephews and their children adding joy in his life. Dr. Astarita served with the 8th Army in Yokohama, Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1947. Going to school on the GI Bill he attended Syracuse University and completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from the Junior College of Commerce (later Quinnipiac University). He later earned a master’s degree in science and then a Doctorate of Education at New York University. Ted had a long career with the New Haven Public School System holding a variety of administrator positions. He was also an adjunct professor of Marketing and Consumer Behavior at Quinnipiac University and Central Connecticut State University. Beloved by students and co-workers, he was a sought-after academic advisor during his tenure at Wilbur Cross High School. Both musically and artistically gifted, his favorite artistic style was Scherenschnitte.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Michael Church, 29 Wooster Place, New Haven on Thursday morning, January 12th at 10:00 to attend a Mass of Christian burial. Interment will be privately held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. Due to Covid, the family is postponing a celebration of life.
Sending my condolences to the family. I remember Ted from the park/beach on Pond Hill Rd when I was a kid. Great guy.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. He was my home room teacher at Wilbur Cross High School and loved by all his students. He was a great teacher. May Dr Astarita rest in eternal peace.
Very sorry to learn of Doc’s passing. Such a wonderful man and family. Condolences.
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Ted, He was a good man and a loving man to all his family. I will be praying for the family during these difficult times.
I remember Mr. Asterita from Lee high school. He was always a pleasure to see coming down the hallways and always spoke to everyone. I loved his smile. RIP Mr. Asterita
Natalie and family. Ted was my friend from the first meeting at Wilbur Cross 67 years ago. He was an inspiration to all students who were privileged to know him. May you be consoled by the love and respect with which he was held by so many of us.