Death date: Feb 2, 2019
Henry J. DaDalt, 82, of Stafford Springs, CT, passed away on Saturday, February 2, 2019. He was born in Stafford Springs, CT, son of the late Enrico and Maria (Pin) DaDalt. Henry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954- Read Obituary
The more time that passes, the harder this gets....I miss you Henry..
Hope,Robin,Beth and families I am so sorry that I couldn’t be there for you but know I was with you in spirit. I really don’t remember not having you in my life. I chuckled when reading Beth’s beautiful eulogy because I also grew up with a Captain in the house. Your dad was the tough Marine and the tough Corrections officer but you were his girls and he loved you dearly he held you in the soft spot of his heart. We send our love. Ron and Judy
Where do I begin, I am probably not telling any of you who truly knew him anything new but who was Henry J. DaDalt. He was a first generation American born to Italian parents who came to the United States from Victoria Veneto, Italy. The stories from his older sister Gira always made us laugh as she was always having to cover for him so he didn’t get in trouble with his mother, you see he was a little mischievous when he was young boy.
He learned hard work at an early age; he peddled grain and delivered fresh milk to people for local farmers all over Stafford and neighboring towns. At the age of 18 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served for 4 years as a MP, his policing career didn’t stop there, he worked in New London Jail, the Old Tolland Jail, Stafford Court of Burgesses and then onto the CT Department of Corrections-Carl Robinson prison where he retired after 32 years. Not being able to sit around after retirement he worked at the Tolland County Sheriff’s Dept part-time.
He loved riding his Harley and the many friends he made at TSI in Ellington, he helped out and hung out at “the shop” often, even playing Santa Claus for them at Christmas time, I remember bringing my daughters to TSI to see Santa until my oldest daughter Emily who was about 6 or 7 at the time said to me driving home, “didn’t Santa sound just like NoNo.”
My sisters and I were blessed to grow up with a father who we could respect and showed us unconditional love, he taught us to be strong and to stand up for ourselves but also to be respectful to others and help our neighbors without being asked. He taught us to work hard as well, we mowed the lawn and helped cut wood and our favorite chore of all was breaking open and spreading the nasty smelling bags of fermenting leaves that were collected from the Boro and dropped off in the lower field. We HATED this and reminded him as adults how he tortured us by making us do that. He would just laugh and say it built character. Kids now would probably tell their parents I’m not doing that! We however would never have refused to do what he asked as you see we were also raised that “The Captains Word is Law” this you see was a cross stitched saying that my mother made for him that hung on the wall for us to see everyday. He wasn’t just a Captain at the prison, he was the Captain of his home.
He was blessed to have 8 grand children, 2 of whom he now has joined in Heaven, to Nate, John, Abby, Evan, Emily and Kali-he adored you all, Each of you shared your own special relationship with him, hold onto those memories.
He was equally blessed to have found someone special later in life and who he loved so much, his sweetheart Karen. Karen there are not words to express how happy we are that he had you in his life and can never thank you enough for being there for him in the good and the bad. When he wasn’t feeling well your presence brought him calm and peace. You brought new friends into his life along with your children and grand children who meant a lot to him.
He was blessed with so many friends but I must recognize Kathy, Doug & Tony who were there for him any time day or night to fix whatever needed fixing, making sure his driveway was plowed or just hanging out and catching up on news. He really loved you guys.
During these last few months, Hope, John, Emily, Karen and myself kept him company and cared for him the best we could each day, he fought hard to get better but God had other plans. He is now at peace, catching up with family and old friends.
I leave you with this, a quote from his favorite actor John Wayne “I’m the stuff men are made of” Yes Papa you surely were!
I am so sorry for your loss Hope, Robin, Beth and family. Your family were the best neighbors in the world. I remember when your Mom and Dad would go out for the evening and I would babysit even though I was a young kid myself. Fond and loving memories of your Dad. So sorry for your loss! Donna Lester Potwin
Our condolences to the DaDalt family. We have so many fond memories that we’ll cherish in our hearts and minds forever. Rest In Peace our Dear Friend. Paul and Barb Duval
32 years of State Service to the CT. Dept. of Corrections. Thank you Henry, and for all of us who had the pleasure of working with you we share this sadness of your passing with your family. Rest In Peace.
Beth, Hope and Robin, I am so very sorry to hear of Henry's passing. Henry always had a smile and kind word to say when I saw him and spoke with him. May your memories bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Lori and Steve Gianantoni
