Donald Scinto

Donald Robert Joseph Scinto
October, 7, 1929 – September 22, 2023

“Don Juan” Scinto was born in the Hollow during The Great Depression in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He
had a tremendous, larger than life personality (often introducing himself as “Humble Donald R.”) which
would always bring a chuckle or two. He was a true song and dance man starting at an early age. As a
youth he was known to sing to the neighbors in his melodic tenor voice, as an adolescent he became an
amateur boxer, almost going pro, and as a teenager became class president of Central High School.
During his senior year, he was selected as the top tenor to represent his alma mater at the New York
City Metropolitan Opera Company. His “on the field performance” as Central High School’s linebacker,
awarded him a football scholarship to Marietta College in Ohio. He later returned to complete his
education at the University of Bridgeport in business and sales. This led to a lucrative career as a top
major sales representative for the F & M Schaefer Brewing Company, winning accolades, trips and
household prizes.


Don married his “dreamboat,” Marie Iassogna, in October of 1954 and together they built a life serving
their Bridgeport community. They initiated many a political fundraiser, organized church events and
other venues for raising money for an abundant of worthy causes.
Don was a long-time member of the board of directors of the original Polka Dot Playhouse on Pleasure
Beach, performing leading and supporting roles in numerous productions as well as welcoming patrons
each week as the theater’s emcee.

On the political front, he became a Bridgeport selectman and later an alderman during the Republican
Action League years. He later became a sheriff for the Bridgeport court system before returning to his
love of sales as a Connecticut State Lottery employee. A struggle to get him to retire, he decided to turn
down an offer to represent the state as Lottery manager, and finally at the age of 67, decided the time
was right. However, his talents were still in demand as he continued to perform wedding ceremonies as
a Justice of the Peace for years to come!

Don was a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Church for 45 years, volunteering as an usher, choir
member and lector. He was also a choir member of The Huntington United Methodist Church and St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church, with his daughter, where his tenor voice was shared with many a parishioner.
During his final chapter, Don became a print model and ambassador in his eighties! Newspaper ads and
brochures showcased that million-dollar smile for the Split Rock Benchmark Assisted Living Complex in
Shelton, Connecticut. Still singing and dancing in his nineties, he most recently moved down to North
Carolina to be with his daughter and son-in-law.
Donald seemed ageless, with an unending youthful look on life. He would love to quote these words:
“Our one common opponent…nobody can beat Father Time.”
Don was predeceased by mother Josephine Capozzi Scinto, father John Scinto, brother John Scinto, Jr.
and adored wife Marie Iassogna Scinto. He is survived by his beloved and only daughter Donelle Scinto-

Toner and husband Micheal Dean Toner of Charlotte, North Carolina along with extended family
members throughout the United States.

The mold was broken after “Don Juan.” He may be out of our physical lives for now, but we are sure his
spirit continues to entertain wherever that may be…singing, dancing and having a jolly good time!

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for all the love given from The Huntington United Methodist
and St. Paul’s Episcopal churches, St. Andrews of Bridgeport, CT, VIA Hospice Health Partners and
Addison of Lincolnton, North Carolina and Benchmark at Split Rock, Shelton, CT along with the
competent staffs of the Yale New Haven Hospital, Shelton, CT and Atrium of Lincolnton, NC.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to The American Heart Association.