Atty Gene L. Defronzo

Prominent local attorney fondly known as the “Marathon Man”

WATERBURY - Attorney Eugene “Gene” L. Defronzo age 87 of Cheshire passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Waterbury Hospital surrounded by the love and comfort of those who cared so much for him. He was the widow of Helma Defronzo.

Gene was born on January 7, 1936 in Waterbury, the son of the late Felix and Rose DiFronzo. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson Grammar School, Crosby High School and the University of Michigan with honors. He then graduated from Virginia Law School with his Juris Doctorate. Gene proudly served his country for more than 10 years with the U.S. Army Reserve. He was admitted to the CT Bar in 1960 and U.S. Federal Court in 1962. While much can be written about his very successful law practice and the literally thousands of people he helped over the years, his passion was his commitment to fitness through the marathons he participated in and traveling all over North America to participate. Having won numerous national awards, Gene ran more than 10 marathons in every state and two in each province of Canada over his lifetime. Just before the outbreak of COVID in 2021, Gene was honored for participating in over 760 marathons and was ranked # 14 by the North American Mega Ranking for Eternal Endurance. Gene liked to travel and was fortunate to have visited many countries. An immensely generous person he always considered others before himself. He was exceptional in almost every way but he excelled the most at being a devoted lawyer, boss and friend and he was a stellar example of grace and class. Mere words can never express Gene’s love and gratitude for Ivelisse who was not just his business manager but nearly lifelong companion and friend. She visited him every single day and was with him until his very last breath.

Left to honor his legacy and cherish his memory are his best friend and soulmate, Ivelisse Cruz of Thomaston, her daughter his “adopted niece” Daniella, his brother, Raymond Difronzo and his wife Madeline of Waterbury and many special friends, clients and extended family members. Special thanks and acknowledgement to Michelle, Jessica, Jemimah and Carmen for their special care, love and support.

Funeral services for Attorney Defronzo will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at All Saints Parish, Todos Los Santos, 515 South Main St Waterbury at 11:00 a.m. Those planning to attend are kindly asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery, Waterbury. Relatives and friends may visit at Casey’s Eastside Memorial and Cremation Care 1987 East Main St @ Southmayd Rd Waterbury on Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence, words of comfort, or share a memory with the family and friends of someone important to you. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.