Mario M. Gradoia, 82, of Milford, husband of Eleanor Gradoia, passed away on May 20, 2017 at Yale New Haven hospital surrounded by his family. Son of the late Salvatore and Maria Gradoia, Mario was born December 20, 1934 in New Haven, Connecticut.

Mr. Gradoia spent the early years of his childhood growing up in New Haven before his family moved to West Haven.  Mario honorably served as a Private 1st class in the US Army from 1954 to 1956, after which he attended New Haven State Teachers College (now Southern Connecticut State University) and graduated receiving a degree in Education. He further earned his Master’s Degree in Education and Professional Diploma for Advanced Study in Administration and Supervision from Bridgeport University.

Mr. Gradoia spent his entire career working for the Milford education system.  Mario began his career as a teacher at Simon Lake Elementary School in 1959 and later became a Vice Principal, serving at several elementary schools throughout Milford in the 1970s.   In 1979, Mr. Gradoia returned to Simon Lake School as Principal. He served there until retiring in 1994. 

Mr. Gradoia enjoyed a long and active retirement. He and Eleanor traveled often with family and friends.  Throughout his lifetime, Mario cherished the time and comradery spent on the course with his golfing companions. His greatest passion was enjoying time with his sons’ families and his six grandchildren.

Mario is survived by his wife Eleanor, their three beloved sons; Mark (Antonia) and their children, Sandra and Matthew; Michael (Christine) and their sons Zachary and Alexander; and Eric (Sandra) and their children, Elias and Ren. He is also survived by his loving brothers, Frank of West Haven, Connecticut, and Salvatore (Gail) of Hamden, Connecticut, and six nephews. Mr. Gradoia was predeceased by his dearly beloved sister Lucy Gradoia.

Family and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 N. Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460. A Memorial Service will take place at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled Veterans of America at www.dav.org or Smile Train, PO Box 96231, Washington, D.C. 20090-6231.