Victor A. DeGirolamo, a longtime resident of Newtown and Monroe, passed away October 18. He was 86. Born in the mountain village of Faeto in Foggia, Italy, he was the oldest son of nine children born to Nicola and Silvia (Franza) DeGirolamo.

After serving in the Italian military police (Carabinieri) in Padua, Italy, Victor immigrated to Bridgeport in 1961 with one suitcase containing all of his possessions. He worked tirelessly to live the American dream. After apprenticing at Benny Tile and learning the trade, he founded his own company, Monroe Tile and Marble. Never settling for less than his best work, Victor was a dedicated and hardworking man who traversed the state in his white Ford van filled with grout, sand, and fishing poles. You can find his craftsmanship in homes, schools, and businesses throughout Connecticut.

An avid hunter and outdoorsman, there is nowhere Victor would rather have been than outside in the woods. He was a life member of Fairfield County Fish and Game Protective Association, where he spent treasured time with his friends. He loved fishing, gardening, soccer, and winemaking. Anyone who knew Victor knew how much he loved his family. He was the patriarch who led by his example of hard work, conviction, commitment, and love of God. He kept his family close on Strawberry Lane, a street that he developed and named himself. Generous with his time, he typically would start helping before you even thought to ask. Victor shared an especially close bond with his younger brother, John, who he brought over from Italy as a young man. Both big and small life events were spent together with John, along with his wife Maria, children Silvia, Lisa, and Johnny and their families. There is no doubt that Victor was happiest when he was surrounded by his large, loving family.

A devoted husband of 63 years, he is survived by his beloved wife Maria, son Victor and his wife Cindy, daughter Silvia Harper and her husband Scott, son Frank and his wife Deborah, all of Newtown; his dear brother John, wife Maria, and their family of Monroe; brothers Antonio, Salvatore, Michele, and Luigi, and sisters Rochina and Maria, and their families, all of Italy. He was predeceased by his sister Angela. Victor leaves eight cherished grandchildren, Kris, Emily, Jacob, Evan, Joshua, Nicholas, Andrew, and Siena; along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Monday, October 25, at 10:30 am, at St Rose of Lima Parish, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, 208 South Main Street, Newtown. Friends may visit Sunday, October 24, from 5 to 8 pm, at the Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to EWTN Global Catholic Television Network, ewtn.com, or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.