Wilson A. "Hopps" Della Vecchia Jr., age 79, of Stratford, beloved husband of Patricia Aurilio Della Vecchia, passed away on Saturday August 26, 2017. Will was born in Bridgeport on August 25, 1938 to the late Wilson and Lucietta (Mainiero) Della Vecchia Sr. and has been a life long area resident. He was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran. Will graduated from Harding High School Class of 1956 and received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Bridgeport, and his Sixth Year Degree from Fairfield University. He was a retired teacher for the City of Bridgeport. Will was a member of the Greater Bridgeport Old Timers Athletic Association, the Marine Corp League, and VFW Post #9460. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, and was especially proud to watch his children and grandchildren play or coach. Will loved the holidays and parties and was always leading the singing and dancing, eager to entertain his adoring grandchildren. Survivors in addition to his beloved wife of 56 years, include his devoted children, Michael Della Vecchia, Joseph Della Vecchia and his wife Kathleen, and Lynnette Della Vecchia and her companion Don Nazzaro, all of Stratford, along with his 8 cherished grandchildren, Christine, Michael, Anthony, Joseph, Lauren, Daniel, Kara, and Mikey, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Will was pre-deceased by his sister, Sandra Paolini. The Della Vecchia family would like to thank the staff of St. Vincent's ICU for their kind and loving care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, August 31 ^st at 10:30 am meeting directly at Saint James Church, 2070 Main Street Stratford. Interment with full military honors will be in St. John's Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call Wednesday from 4-8 pm at the Adzima Funeral Home 50 Paradise Green Place Stratford. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make donations in Will's memory to the American Heart Association 1 Union St Robbinsville, NJ 08691 or to Swim Across the Sound 2800 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06606