Obituary: Dr. Norman T. DeMartino, 75, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Dr. Norman T. DeMartino PhD, 75, of East Haven beloved husband of Ursula Coppola DeMartino passed away on January 9, 2023 after a courageous battle with various medical conditions in Yale New Haven Hospital. Norman was born in New Haven on June 26, 1947 son of the late Ralph J. and Virginia DeTullio DeMartino Sr.

He graduated from East Haven High School in 1965 and then went on to study education. He received his bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart University, his master’s degree from Fairfield University and then received his doctorate from Nova University. Norman started his career at the East Haven High School as a teacher in 1969, then became Assistant Principal, Principal and then Assistant Superintendent. During his time there, he also coached the football and track teams.

An East Haven High School teacher in 1969, he went on to become assistant principal, principal and district assistant superintendent.

After retiring from the East Haven Public School District in 1997, he followed his passion for education to become the Principal at St. Vincent de Paul School, Sayles School, Connecticut Juvenile Training School and finally High Meadows.

He was an avid Yankees, Giants and UCONN girls’ basketball fan. During his free time, he enjoyed coaching youth sports, watching sports, being a basketball and football official, softball umpire, going on annual family vacations and playing Santa around town and for friends and family. He was also a Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of Pompeii Church for 12 years.

Norman married his lifetime love, Ursula, in 1970 and had three children, Ursula (Duane) Pendziwater, Norleen (Norbert) Ponte, and Norman (Kim) DeMartino all of East Haven whom he leaves behind. He is also survived by his grandchildren Alexis and Nicole Pendziwater, Mia and Matteus Ponte, and Tyler and Luke DeMartino all of whom he considered his pride and joy. He enjoyed supporting them in school and attending their sporting events. He also leaves behind many friends whom he considered family. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Madison Ponte.

His funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80) East Haven SATURDAY morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 10:00. Entombment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may call FRIDAY from 3pm to 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Norman DeMartino Scholarship Fund for future educators. Donations may be sent to East Haven High School, 35 Wheelbarrow Lane, East Haven, CT 06513 to the attention of the Finance Department. At the request of the DeMartino family, everyone is asked to wear a mask at the funeral home.