Benjamin Giaquinto of East Haven: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Benjamin Giaquinto 81 of East Haven passed away peacefully at home on December 8, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born May 14, 1944 in Anniston Alabama to Benjamin Nazzaro and Lonnie (Williams) Giaquinto. Benjamin is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Carol (Bertolini) Giaquinto and their three children; Sara Giaquinto-Kocher of East Haven, Andrea Celentano (James) of Newtown and Benjamin Giaquinto Jr. of East Haven along with five grandchildren he adored; Ava Kocher, Emily Celentano, Mary Celentano, James Celentano and Anastasia Giaquinto. Benjamin is also survived by his siblings; Anthony Giaquinto (AnnMarie) of Houston, Barbara Giaquinto of Meriden, Toni Marie Gianquinto of New Haven and Theresa Balzano of South Carolina.

Benjamin is preceded in death by his biological father, Benjamin Nazzaro, who passed away in World War II (Purple Heart recipient) along with his parents, Anthony and Lonnie (Williams) Giaquinto and siblings; Andrew Giaquinto, Debra Pesko and Denise Flasconaro.

Ben was an athlete and always involved in various sports throughout his life. He organized teams and participated in several local hockey and softball leagues. A lifelong Yankee fan, he was equally passionate in his support of UConn basketball. Ben fully realized his athletic potential in the sport of trapshooting, where he quickly established himself as a highly skilled competitor and was a dominant force in multiple events. True to his character, he served as the president of the Connecticut Trapshooting Association for several years.

Ben was a skilled craftsman with the unique ability to fix just about anything. While his skill set was diverse, he particularly enjoyed wood restoration projects and breathing new life into antique furniture. He was involved in the community throughout his career, serving on the East Haven Board of Education and the Parks and Recreation Department. Ben remained in the steel industry for the entirety of his career. Operating throughout the tri-state area he eventually narrowed his focus to the distribution of aluminum extrusions for American Steel and Aluminum.

A lover of music and vintage sound systems, Ben's neighbors shared the experience with him as the volume would result in the occasional window rattling. Last but not least, and a lesser known aspect of his personality, Ben was a talented cat whisperer. He loved all of his feline friends over the years, leaving behind his longest and most loyal companion, Carmine. Together they would marvel at the wonders of creation as they watched the bird feeder through the window.

Family will receive friends on Saturday December 13, 2025 from 8:30 until 10:30 AM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven CT. His funeral procession will then leave Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home for a 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford CT 06405 in memory of Benjamin Giaquinto.