Theresa "Terri" Branciforte

Theresa “Terri” Branciforte passed away on Sunday, November 19th, 2023, at the age of 93. Born Theresa Alice Orlacchio in Middletown, Connecticut on September 11th, 1930 to Philip J. Orlacchio and Margaret Ilene Soule, Terri was a force with which to be reckoned. Half Italian and half Scottish/Irish, she was opinionated, determined and quick-witted. Terri loved growing up in Middletown. She frequently recalled stories filled with colorful descriptions of her cherished grandparents, aunts and uncles and their life’s adventures in and around Moodus, East Hampton and East Haddam. A graduate of Middletown High School – Class of 1948, Terri earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Connecticut State Teachers College in 1952. She began her postgraduate studies at Columbia University in New York but put those plans on hold to marry her high school sweetheart, John. Terri and John began teaching careers together at Norwich Free Academy in Norwich, Connecticut and then went on to the State University of New York in Farmingdale. They made their home in East Rockaway, Long Island, New York. Terri was a strong and supportive partner to John as his career continued to grow in the Lynbrook Public School District. She lovingly and happily put her career on pause to stay home and raise their children, Suzanne and John. She resumed her postgraduate work at Hofstra University, earning her Master of Arts Degree in 1979. She returned to the State University of New York in Farmingdale and taught primarily business subjects, including medical terminology, typing and shorthand. She enjoyed her work, students and colleagues - all of which provided comfort and distraction after she suffered the loss of her husband, John, to cancer in 1985. She retired as an Associate Professor in 1993. Terri relished being a grandmother and spent her first few years of retirement in Massachusetts caring for her grandson, Max. In 1998, she moved to Lake Mary, Florida, and became very active in the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Proud of her Italian heritage, Terri was passionate about the work of preserving and promoting Italian culture and traditions. She served in many positions over the years at both her local lodge in Deltona, Florida, and at the State level. For all those who love her, her absence will be a great challenge. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Branciforte of Genoa, Italy; her son, John F. Branciforte, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Lorna Hicks Branciforte of Orlando, Florida; grandson, Maximillian Hernandez of Florence, Italy; sister, Alice Russell of Lake Mary, Florida; sister, Peggy Hollister and brother-in-law, Philip Hollister of Willington, Connecticut; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, December 16th, 2023, at D’Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown, CT. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, with services following at 10:30 am. A graveside service will immediately follow at Saint Sebastian Cemetery, 75 Meriden Road, Middlefield, Connecticut.

Theresa "Terri" Branciforte

September 11, 1930 - November 19, 2023