Linda F. DiCorleto, sister of Dorothy Peterson of Kent and a longtime teacher at Housatonic Valley Regional High School, died May 17. Photo contributed

KENT, Conn.—Linda F. DiCorleto passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education, family, and community.

Linda was born July 5, 1950, in Hartford, Conn., the daughter of Chauncey and Dorothy (Hansen) Depew, and grew up in West Hartford. She later made her home in New Hartford, Conn., where she raised her family.

Linda devoted her professional life to shaping generations of students at Housatonic Valley Regional High School (HVRHS) in Falls Village, Conn., where she taught for an extraordinary 37 years. At the time of her retirement, she was the longest-serving member of the HVRHS teaching faculty — a testament to her enduring impact and dedication.

After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut, Linda began her career teaching home economics, a role she held for 20 years. Her passion for practical, real-world learning led her to further her education at Central Connecticut State University, where she obtained certification in cooperative work education. She went on to lead the school’s Partners in Education program, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world career experiences and building strong relationships between the school and local businesses.

Linda’s excellence in education was widely recognized. She was honored as the Connecticut Outstanding Work-Based Learning Coordinator of the Year and received the Connecticut Association of Schools Award for Outstanding School Business Partnerships, as well as the CAS Educating for High Performance Award. Her accomplishments extended beyond the classroom, earning her recognition in Who’s Who of American Women and the distinction of Woman of the Year from the Litchfield County Business and Professional Women’s Club.

Beyond her professional achievements, Linda was known for her warmth, generosity, and the genuine care she showed every student, colleague, and friend. She believed deeply in the potential of others and dedicated her life to helping young people find their path with confidence and purpose.

She was predeceased by the love of her life and her husband of 37 years, Thomas F. DiCorleto, with whom she shared a deep and enduring partnership.

Linda was a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She leaves behind her daughters, Kristen DiCorleto, and her husband, Sean Quilter, of Hingham, Mass., and Meghan Scursso, and her husband, Michael, of Simsbury, Conn. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Thomas and Lillian Quilter, and Tessa, Anthony, and Preston Scursso. Linda is also survived by her, Linda is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Peterson of Kent, and her family.

Calling hours were held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Vincent Funeral Home, 808 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury. Funeral Services were held at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury, followed by a burial at Fairview Cemetery, West Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the 21st Century Fund for HVRHS, in honor of Linda’s lifelong commitment to education and community by visiting https://21stcenturyfund.net/donate/or mailing a check, with a memo “In honor of Linda DiCorleto,” to 21st Century Fund for HVRHS, PO Box 132, Falls Village, CT 06031. To visit Linda’s Book of Memories, visit www.vincentfuneralhome.com.

Linda will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for the lives she touched and the lasting difference she made. In her own words, “Be kind to each other, help and support each other no matter how long each of us is on this earth. It is too short, and we should all do as much as we can to make this a better world and leave a positive footprint.”

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