Former Hamden Mayor Barbara DeNicola Dies At 88

HAMDEN, CT — The Hamden community is mourning the loss of former Mayor Barbara DeNicola, who died Tuesday at the age of 88.

DeNicola served as mayor from 1997 to 1999 and was active in Hamden Republican politics for many years. Her father, John DeNicola Sr., and brother, John P. DeNicola Jr., also served as mayors of Hamden.

DeNicola was a longtime educator, who taught in the Hamden, East Haven, Greenwich and Middlefield school systems. She also taught at military schools in Japan, Turkey and France.

Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng, who served on the Legislative Council while DeNicola was mayor, said DeNicola’s contributions to the community were profound and extended far beyond the border of Hamden.

“Hamden lost another civic giant, and frankly we don't have as many as we once had in our hometown, as very sadly, former Mayor Barbara DeNicola passed away,” Leng said in a statement. “In addition to serving as Mayor, she was a powerhouse always advocating for her 2nd District, an educator who taught in Hamden, East Haven, Greenwich, Durham, and Middlefield school systems, as well as Military schools in Japan, Turkey and France, an education leader and successful administrator, a civic leader, a family-first woman and so much more. Mayor DeNicola was such a good person, someone who you could learn a great deal from, and who would always work to help her Hamden neighbors. Our Sleeping Giant sheds tears today."

Read the full obituary here.