Donald Fappiano, 79, of Hamden, passed away peacefully after a long illness, June 4, 2015, at Hamden Health Care, with his loving family by his side. He was the husband of Sylvia Olivo Fappiano. Don was born in New Haven, March 31, 1936, the son of Catherine and Emil Fappiano of Hamden and was a graduate of The Univ. of Conn where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business in 1958. He began his career in retail at Sears and worked at stores in Maine and New Haven and at the former Alexander's Dept. Store in Milford, for 27 years and then at Warner's Hardware in New Haven and Richland Dept. Store in Branford. Don was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church serving as president of the Parish Council, Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Later, Don volunteered as treasurer at Birthwright office in Hamden, along side his wife and little league coach for his son's baseball team . He was also member and president of the square dance club, The Promenaders. Don's greatest love was his family, He was happiest when he was surrounded by his wife, 5 children, 7 grandchildren, family and friends. Don and Sylvia enjoyed vacations in Key West, California, New Hampshire and Cape Cod, spending these times with their children and grandchildren, Family parties and celebrations, a 3 day 50th wedding celebration was held in 2008 at High Meadows Bed & Breakfast in Wallingford, which he truly enjoyed. Beside his wife, Don is survived by daughters, Gail (Bill) Pritchard of New Hampshire and Carol (David) Mann of CA and Donna Fappiano of Southington, sons, Donald Fappiano of Hamden and his girlfriend Cynthia Rosa of East Haven, and David (Maria) Fappiano of FL a brother, Edward Fappiano of FL., a sister, Dorothy Hartigan of Hamden, a sister in law, Mary Lou Horan of New Haven, grandchildren, Meghan Pritchard of MA, Laura Pritchard and her fiancée Michael Navarrete of NYC and Jason (Leandra) Pritchard of New Hampshire, Daniel & Michael Fappiano of Southington and Haley & Dylan Fappiano of FL. The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Hamden Health Care and the CT Hospice of Branford for their excellent comfort and care they provided for the last few years. Don was a special person who was loved by all and will be missed by everyone who knew him. Funeral Tuesday at 10:30 from the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Ave., Hamden and at St. John the Baptist Church at 11 A.M. Friends may call Tuesday morning from 9 to 10:30 A.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Conn Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd. Branford, Ct.