Patricia Ann Cucuzza, 88, of New Haven, passed away on Sept. 26, 2024.

Patricia was a dedicated and accomplished educator, who after getting her BA in romance languages from Albertus Magnus, obtained her master’s degree in bilingual education from Southern Connecticut State University, as well as 6th year degree.

After teaching at an USAF base in Morrocco, she taught Spanish, French and Italian at Wilbur Cross High School In New Haven, where she was also a department head. She left Wilbur Cross to serve as the assistant director of the New Haven bilingual program, eventually serving as acting director for a year. But she missed working directly with students and took a position as a vice-principal at Central High School, where she finished out her career as the director of Central Magnet High School. In her retirement she volunteered at Saint Mary’s Church, the Milford Garden Club, and Milford Hospital.
While at Wilbur Cross, she was one of the “New Haven 90”, one of 90 striking New Haven teachers who went to jail for a week, during an era when it was illegal for teachers to strike.
A natural at foreign languages, Patricia spoke Spanish, French, and Italian fluently, and was known for her intelligence and lightning quick wit. She travelled the world in her younger years and never lost her curiosity and appreciation for cultures around the world.
She never failed to advocate for her students, many of whom kept in touch with her decades after they graduated. Many of her students went on to higher education, and quite a few went to Ivy League Universities, but she was proud of every student under her watch. Her legacy is one of compassion, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to young people and the betterment of education.
Patricia is survived by her beloved son, Andrew “Drew” Cucuzza, who she absolutely adored and was the light of her life.
Brother Honorable Joseph Licari, Jr. and his wife Johanne, nephew Christopher Licari, niece Melissa Sedor and her husband Stephen, as well as 3 grand nieces and grandnephews. She is also
survived by her beloved cat and constant companion, Zooey.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents of Chatham Place at Mary Wade and the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Thursday, October 3, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Friday, October 4, 2024, 11:30 a.m. at Saint Mary Church, 70 Gulf St, Milford, CT 06460 (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH). Interment will be held on Monday October 7, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Cemetery, Buckingham Ave, Milford CT 06460. Please meet directly at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Animal Haven of CT online at https://theanimalhavenct.org/ or to Halfway Home Rescue of New Haven with checks payable to “Halfway Home Rescue” and mailed to 15 Clark Rd, Woodbridge CT 06450. To leave online condolences, please visit our website at www.codywhitefuneralservice.com.