Oscar Parente , June 02, 1926 — July 01, 2018

Oscar Parente of Woodbridge, died peacefully on July 1, 2018. Born June 2, 1926, to the late Peter and Annunziata DeNicola Parente in Cerreto Sannita, in the Province of Benevento, Italy, Oscar came to the United States in the mid-1930s and grew up in the St. Anthony’s parish in New Haven. After graduating from Hillhouse High School, Oscar enlisted in the U.S. Army infantry.

He fought with distinction in WWII, including at the Battle of the Bulge, and he received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. Upon completion of his military service, he enrolled at Temple University in Philadelphia where he earned his bachelor’s degree. It was at Temple where he was introduced to the love of his life, Marie Palma.

They married in 1951 and would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this July 3rd. Oscar earned his Master’s degree in education and enjoyed a 34-year career as a teacher in the Hamden Public School System, first at Sleeping Giant Junior High School and later at Hamden High School. He often quipped that he “opened and closed the Giant,” referring to the fact that he taught at Sleeping Giant from the day it opened until the day it closed.

He loved teaching, and he loved his students. Oscar was also a long-time member of the Amity Club and the Columbian Club and a communicant at the Church of the Assumption in Woodbridge. Always kind, patient, and thoughtful, never quick to anger, Oscar was a true gentleman in the tradition of the “Greatest Generation”.

He always led by example and will be sorely missed by his devoted family. Oscar Parente is survived by his beloved wife Marie and was predeceased by his brother Mickey. He leaves behind his two sons, Oscar (Wendy) of Orange and Peter (Donna) of Woodbridge, his daughter Nancy of Madison, his ten grandchildren, Oscar Jr. (Lisa), Christine (Michael), Adriana, Stephanie, Alexis, Rebecca, Allison, Caroline, Charles, and Anthony, and his niece Michele Parente DiMartino.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, July 5, 2018 from 5-8 p.m. at the Celentano Funeral Home, 424 Elm Street, New Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday morning at 10 a.m. in the Church of the Assumption, 81 Center Road, Woodbridge. Burial will follow at East Side Cemetery on Pease Road in Woodbridge.

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