Wethersfield Obituary: Donato Gaetani, 81

Donato (Dan) Gaetani of Wethersfield, was welcomed into the warm and peaceful embrace of our Lord surrounded by his loving and dedicated family on June 27, 2016 at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center on the eve of his 82nd birthday.

Donato was born on June 28, 1934 in Sepino, province of Campobasso, Italy and was the son of the late Giuseppe and Filomena (D’Anello) Gaetani. Donato immigrated to the United States from Italy in July 1954 at the age of 20 after caring for his beloved mother until her death in 1951. On his arrival, Dan went to night school to learn English and soon after attended trade school to become a licensed electrician. A bright learner and soon-to-be accomplished electrician, it was not long before he founded his own electrical company known as Delta Electric Incorporated in 1960 with his partner and brother Luigi. Soon after, Delta Electric became one of the top electrical contractors in the Hartford area for more than 20 years. During that time, Dan employed and mentored many apprentices who went on to be successful electricians and business owners. His business associates always held him in high esteem for his ethics and professionalism.

In 1983, Dan embarked on a new adventure, founding the Sepino Investment Company named after his beloved hometown. Dan went on to purchase multiple apartment buildings and various other real estate properties and became known to his tenants as “Mr. Sepino”, a hard worker who continued to manage his business until the day he died. His vibrant personality, infectious smile, caring and loving nature touched everyone who met him. Dan was the “consigliere” of the family, always providing guidance and advice to all. In any decision, the family knew to “ask Uncle Dan first.” He was passionate about imparting his experience and knowledge to everyone. His motto was that he wanted to “teach others everything he knew.” He was a brilliant man with a pure heart of gold and a quiet demeanor.

Dan was a member and co-founder of the former St. Cristina Society since 1960 serving as President, Treasurer and Board Member for many years. He continued to serve in various capacities after the merger of the Mt. Carmel and St. Cristina Society in 1980. Although a single man, Dan cherished his family and devoted his life to them. Sundays, in particular, were always special times to relax and be together. Dan loved gardening and was so proud to showcase the fruits of his labor to us all when we visited. He also enjoyed bowling and trips to the casino.

His best days were those spent in Daytona Beach, Florida, his favorite vacation spot where he enjoyed many trips with family and friends. Dan had a passion for the stock market and enjoyed talking about investments with “Patsy” and anyone else who wanted to listen about the next hot trade.

Dan leaves behind his best friend, confidant, and brother Luigi Gaetani who he has lived with for all of his life along with his sister Emilia “Mimi” Gaetani, beloved nieces who were like his daughters, Maria Concetta “Connie” Peluso and Filomena Francesca Marinelli. Dan also leaves behind his adoring great nieces and nephews, Emily Peluso LeMire, Mark Peluso, Liana Marinelli, Anthony Marinelli, Corinna Marinelli, Sofia Marinelli, Holden LeMire, Jamison LeMire, Natalia Peluso, Sawyer LeMire, and Emilia LeMire and his nephew-in-laws Pasquale Peluso and Eugene Marinelli.

His spirit will live on in all those blessed to have known and loved him. We await the day we will meet again to thank you endlessly for the gift you were to us all. Our family would also like to send our heartfelt gratitude to all the staff at St. Francis Hospital ICU who gave Dan impeccable care, offered us hope, calmed our fears, and helped ease our heartbreak. They will never be forgotten. In particular we would like to thank Dr. Ayushi Chauhan for her incredible compassion.

Funeral services will begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. from the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Burial will follow at Mt. Saint Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 4-8 at the funeral chapel.

Memorial donations in Donato’s name can be made out to the Spinal Cord Injury Association of CT. c/o Gaylord Hospital, P.O. Box 400 Gaylord Farms Road, Wallingford, CT 06492, www.sciact.org.

For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visitwww.desopo.com.