Donald R. Civitello

Biography

Donald Civitello grew up in Hamden, attended Hamden High School and went on to graduate from Southern Connecticut State University. He began as a teacher at Milford High School, moved to Foran High School and then became the Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education Services. For a total of 58 years as an educator and administrator, Donald provided instruction for children with special needs in Milford. He was an assistant football coach at Milford H.S. and head football coach at Foran H.S. Donald founded Camp Happiness, a summer camp for children with special needs in 1967. The camp is a model throughout the state for serving the needs of children through fun, recreation and therapy during the summer months. Camp Happiness celebrated its 48th anniversary in 2025. Civitello passed away in 2017.