Obituary of Peter L. Dalena

Peter L. Dalena, 91, of Kensington, died Friday (Sept. 6, 2024) at the Hospital of Central CT in New Britain. Born in Plainville, the son of the late Peter and Genevieve (Blinn) Dalena, he lived in Plainville and Kensington for many years. He was the husband of the late Marialyce (Rose) Dalena, who died May 17, 2010. A 1952 graduate of Plainville High School, he then joined the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, proudly serving his country, in both Korea and Japan, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Metal.

Along with his father, uncle, and brother, he was a founder and owner/operator of Dalena Auto Parts in New Britain. For over 30 years, Peter built and owned race cars (XD-2) and was a track official at the Plainville Stadium. He belonged to the American Legion and coached Little League Baseball in Berlin and Plainville.

Mr. Dalena is survived by his 7 children: Sandra Kelly and her husband Timothy Kelly, Beth Ann Dalena Dion, Jeff Dalena and his wife Mary Ann Dalena, Patricia Woodruff and her husband Michael Woodruff, Michael Dalena, Tim Dalena, and Amy Dalena. “Grampa Pete” was also survived by 19 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Peter was predeceased by his sister Dolores Balkow and brother Donald Dalena.

Funeral services will be held Friday (Sept. 13, 2024) at 9:00 AM from the Farrell Funeral Home, 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain, with a mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Church 485 Alling St. Kensington. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Farrell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The CT Draft Horse Rescue (CtDraftRescue.org) where he enjoyed visiting and sponsoring a horse.