Obituary: Gaetano Louis Verni, Jr., 88, of Branford

Information via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Gaetano Louis Verni, Jr., 88, of Branford passed away peacefully on Thursday March 30, 2017 at Connecticut Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

Known to his family and friends as "Vern", he was predeceased by his father Gaetano Verni, Sr., his mother Hope Roscini Verni and his infant sister Sylvia. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Norma Brecciaroli Verni. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter Vanessa DeJohn and son-in-law Rory, son Gary Verni and daughter-in-law Terry. He was adored by his grandchildren: Matthew DeJohn (Wife Lindsay), Amanda Fetter (Husband Joseph), Taylor Verni (fiancé Doug Conklin), Chelsea Verni (boyfriend Tommy Wood), Michael Bova (girlfriend Brittany Panaroni), Christopher Bova (girlfriend Becca Wilson), and one great-grandchild, Jacob Gaetano Fetter.

Vern is also survived by his brother, Francis Verni (wife Robin). Sadly, Gaetano's older brother Robert (wife Teresa) passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the very same Connecticut Hospice later that same day. Robert and Vern entered heaven together. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and family members.

Vern attended Ansonia Pine High School and served honorably in the United States Army, 2nd Armored Division, "Hell on Wheels", stationed in Germany. He went on to become a professional mason, self-employed for 65 years. His masonry work was first class.

Vern loved his Branford Italian-American Club, playing poker on Friday nights, bocce and having his whiskey and Seven-Up's. He was past president of the IA Club and previously honored as the oldest living member. Vern also belonged to the Italian-American Club in Derby, the Marchigan Society Club of New Haven and the Marchigan Sportsman Club of Guilford. Vern enjoyed every Saturday at 2 pm at his daughter Vanessa and son-in-law Rory's house, boy would he get upset if they happened not to be home! He loved being with his family.

The Verni family would like to thank the staff at Connecticut Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they showed him. Each one of you has given the family special memories.

Funeral from the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, Monday morning at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church at 10:00. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.