Anthony "Tut" DeFrancesco
Anthony “Tut” DeFrancesco was born in New Haven and attended Hillhouse High School, graduating in 1940. While serving as a tool maker at Winchester Repeating Arms and playing baseball for the Boston Red Sox farm system, he enlisted in the Navy during World War II. When he was discharged, Tut began his college career at New Haven State Teachers College under the GI Bill. He received his Bachelor of Education in 1950 where he played on its first football team. Tut remained active with the athletic program as an assistant football coach for twenty years. He received his Master’s Degree from Teachers College of Columbia University and advanced degrees from the University of Connecticut and Bridgeport.
Upon graduation in 1950, Tut began his career in education in Milford, CT. He was a teacher and elementary school principal at West River, Kay Avenue and Simon Lake Schools. He served as Assistant Principal at Milford High School and held the position as Assistant Superintendent of Business.
Tut’s connections with Southern Connecticut State University remained strong through the years. He served as President of the Alumni Association and Alumni Director. As an advisor to Southern’s presidents, he had a profound role in the unprecedented growth of the University. As a key player in the Alumni Association, he was instrumental in leading the University to its notable position of providing in-service educational opportunities for teachers. The extensive number of graduate degrees that Southern offers to teachers is a result of the influence Tut had on both the University and State Board of Higher Education’s governing boards. His leadership was at the forefront of bringing Southern’s services to area schools through both the formal process of its curriculum and the informal process of Southern’s Alumni Association’s activities. He also developed and ran a successful world travel program for alumni.
Tut lived in Branford with his wife, Rose Marie, for many years. He enjoyed his expertise in assessing Branford High School’s seniors in the Senior Graduation Exhibition Program. He always felt privileged to assist, support, encourage and mentor students and the players he coached on their life’s journey.
Tut died in 2012 at the age of 90.
Upon graduation in 1950, Tut began his career in education in Milford, CT. He was a teacher and elementary school principal at West River, Kay Avenue and Simon Lake Schools. He served as Assistant Principal at Milford High School and held the position as Assistant Superintendent of Business.
Tut’s connections with Southern Connecticut State University remained strong through the years. He served as President of the Alumni Association and Alumni Director. As an advisor to Southern’s presidents, he had a profound role in the unprecedented growth of the University. As a key player in the Alumni Association, he was instrumental in leading the University to its notable position of providing in-service educational opportunities for teachers. The extensive number of graduate degrees that Southern offers to teachers is a result of the influence Tut had on both the University and State Board of Higher Education’s governing boards. His leadership was at the forefront of bringing Southern’s services to area schools through both the formal process of its curriculum and the informal process of Southern’s Alumni Association’s activities. He also developed and ran a successful world travel program for alumni.
Tut lived in Branford with his wife, Rose Marie, for many years. He enjoyed his expertise in assessing Branford High School’s seniors in the Senior Graduation Exhibition Program. He always felt privileged to assist, support, encourage and mentor students and the players he coached on their life’s journey.
Tut died in 2012 at the age of 90.
Letters of Nomination
Anthony "Tut" DeFrancesco has lived in Branford for many years. A 1950 graduate of New Haven State Teachers College, "Tut" immediately began a thirty-nine years career in education. He was a teacher, assistant principal and assistant superintendent of schools in Milford, Connecticut.
"Tut" is a true gentleman, a soft-spoken leader. He has been a driving force in many activities at Southern Connecticut State University since 1951. Presently, he serves as Acting Director of Southern's Alumni Association. "Tut" has found time to lend his expertise to help assess Branford High School's seniors in the Senior Graduation Exhibition Program.
"Tut" is a true gentleman, a soft-spoken leader. He has been a driving force in many activities at Southern Connecticut State University since 1951. Presently, he serves as Acting Director of Southern's Alumni Association. "Tut" has found time to lend his expertise to help assess Branford High School's seniors in the Senior Graduation Exhibition Program.
I would like to nominate Anthony "Tut" DeFrancesco for Branford's Education Hall of Fame. "Tut" has been a driving force in education in our area for over fifty years. A graduate of New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University, "Tut" served the Milford school system with distinction as a teacher and administrator. His record of achievement is impressive.
At Southern Connecticut State University "Tut" DeFrancesco is a legend. His influence has been tremendous. As an advisor to Southern's presidents, "Tut" has had a profound leadership function in the unprecedented growth of the University. His hands-on approach to effectively working with various elements within Southern's greatly diverse community has earned for him the highest level of respect. As the key player in Southern's Alumni Association, he has been instrumental in leading the University to its notable position of providing in-service educational opportunities for teachers. The extensive number of graduate degrees that Southern offers to teachers has resulted in the great influence that "Tut" DeFrancesco has had on both the University and the State Board of Higher Education's governing boards. His leadership has been at the forefront of bringing Southern's services to area schools through both the formal process of its curriculum and the informal process of Southern's Alumni Association activities. He currently serves as acting director of the Alumni Association.
As a teacher, administrator, advisor and Southern Connecticut Athletic coach, Anthony "Tut" DeFrancesco has had a major influence on the quality of life in the Greater New Haven area for half a century. A long time Branford resident he has used his many talents to broaden learning opportunities for students from our community and others.
At Southern Connecticut State University "Tut" DeFrancesco is a legend. His influence has been tremendous. As an advisor to Southern's presidents, "Tut" has had a profound leadership function in the unprecedented growth of the University. His hands-on approach to effectively working with various elements within Southern's greatly diverse community has earned for him the highest level of respect. As the key player in Southern's Alumni Association, he has been instrumental in leading the University to its notable position of providing in-service educational opportunities for teachers. The extensive number of graduate degrees that Southern offers to teachers has resulted in the great influence that "Tut" DeFrancesco has had on both the University and the State Board of Higher Education's governing boards. His leadership has been at the forefront of bringing Southern's services to area schools through both the formal process of its curriculum and the informal process of Southern's Alumni Association activities. He currently serves as acting director of the Alumni Association.
As a teacher, administrator, advisor and Southern Connecticut Athletic coach, Anthony "Tut" DeFrancesco has had a major influence on the quality of life in the Greater New Haven area for half a century. A long time Branford resident he has used his many talents to broaden learning opportunities for students from our community and others.