Obituary: Thomas DePoto, 75: Owner of Tom's Coffee Shop in Wallingford

From Wallingford Funeral Home

Thomas DePoto, 75, of Wallingford, died Saturday, December 5, 2015.

He was born in New Haven, July 24, 1940, a son of the late Joseph and Josephine (DiGrazia) DePoto. He was owner of Tom’s Apizza in East Haven until 1975 and then owned Tom’s Coffee Shop next to the Wallingford Train Station since 1988, where he served his famous breakfast sandwiches.

Tom’s became an extension of the Choate Rosemary Hall Campus. The coffee shop served as a home away from home for the Choate students. “Big Tom” was known for his kind heart and his slogan, “Keep Moving.”

He is survived by his siblings, Mary DePoto of Boston, MA, George DePoto of Florida, Joseph DePoto Jr. of North Guilford, and Paul DePoto of Missouri; many nieces and nephews; as well as many dear friends including, Christopher Jennings and Dr. Julia Glanternik.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service in St. John Cemetery in Wallingford on Saturday, at 11 a.m. There will be no calling hours.

Gifts in his memory may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home.

To leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.