Obituary: Andrew Luca Pellico, 96, Of Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — (From Sisk Brothers Funeral Home): On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Andrew Luca Pellico left this world peacefully and unafraid, a testament to his strong spirit and faith.

Since the passing of his beloved wife Louise in 2012, he has bravely carried on, missing her every day and waiting for the call to join her. He was born in New Haven’s “Little Italy” on Brown St. October 18, 1926, to John and Helen (Lucibello) Pellico.

He attended Dante School in New Haven from kindergarten through 3rd grade. After his family moved to Hamden, he continued his elementary education at Helen St. School, and then Hamden High School, graduating in 1944. He attended Yale University for one semester before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served two years as Pharmacist’s Mate 3rd Class in Sampson NY, Washington DC, Memphis TN, San Diego CA and Newport RI.

Receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy, the GI Bill supported his return to Yale, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. In 1949, he met the love of his life, Louise Cofrances, at a Valentine’s Day party hosted by his sister, Joan, who had set this up without telling either one of her match-maker intentions.

Talking to his mother after the party, he said he had met the girl he was going to marry. True to his word, they were married in 1952 in Hamden at St. Ann Church. They bought a small house on Belden Rd. in Hamden, where they began to raise their children: John, Laura and Richard.

He started his professional career as a science and math teacher in Hamden at Centerville School while continuing his education at Fairfield University, where he received his Sixth-Year Certificate in Education. He was promoted to principal of Putnam Avenue School, followed by 6-year terms at Helen Street, Church Street, and Shepard Glen schools.

He loved teaching, always focusing on the needs of the children, both educational and social, helping many navigate the challenges of early life. He was the first president of the Association of Hamden Public School Administrators (AHPSA), helping negotiate their first contract with the Hamden Board of Education. His successful career in elementary education ended with his retirement in 1981 at age 55.

Above everything else, Andrew loved and valued his family. His fondest memories were holidays with his children and their growing families. Andrew loved the beach, always finding time to be with his family and friends by the water, often at Hammonasset, Guilford and Cape Cod, where they ultimately purchased a home in 1978.

Andy was famous for quahogging on the beach in Falmouth, providing Louise with the ingredients for his favorites, clams casino and spaghetti with white clam sauce. He was frequently found floating on the lake, tethered to a cinder block to prevent him from drifting away.

Andrew can only be described as a class act by anyone who ever had the pleasure of talking, working, or socializing with him. He truly touched so many people - children, educators, and parents - as a result of his long career in education, leaving them better for the interaction. He will be missed.

Andrew leaves behind three children: John Pellico, Laura Pellico Prostano (Stephen), and Richard Pellico (Denise), eight grandchildren: Ryan and Katie Pellico, Taryn Prostano Barrett (Chris), Dana Prostano (Duncan Carvey), Alex Prostano, Tyler, Alex and Kevin D'Errico, and one great grandchild (Theodore Anthony Carvey). He is predeceased by his brother Robert Pellico (Nancy) and leaves behind his sister Joan Inzero (Peter). He also leaves behind 13 nieces and nephews who loved him and enjoyed his colorful recounting of Pellico family history.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Andrew may be made to The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, 74 Cheshire Road, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492, specifying Hospice Care.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Sisk Brothers Funeral Home here.