Janet R. (Rosen) Fantozzi

Janet R. Fantozzi peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Originally from West Philadelphia, she had been a Connecticut resident since 1985.

Janet’s life and career was a testament to her passion for the arts, and her decades of teaching brought music to the lives of countless students. Her love of music also brought her to her husband, Donald Fantozzi, Jr., who she met while teaching in Fairfield, CT.  Janet always said a home should be filled with music, and together they created a home filled with arts, endless creativity, and love for their children and family.

Janet was a master at creating musical environments, including traditional concert performances, theatrical productions, and adult education. One of the legacies she was most proud of was co-founding a vibrant and robust Farmington String Summer Music Academy, popularly known as String Camp.  For her outstanding efforts in advancing music education, she was recognized as the 2004-2005 “Farmington Teacher of the Year.” Janet made music memorable and accessible to students, colleagues, and family through her expert teaching and endless patience. But most of all, making music with Janet was fun.

Janet is survived by her husband of 33 years, Donald R. Fantozzi, Jr.; her children Danielle Vesper and her husband Matthew, and Donald R. Fantozzi, III and his wife Rebecca; her sister Donna Rosen; and several nieces and a nephew.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Philomena Rosen and her brother David Rosen.

As a musician, Janet performed as a violinist in numerous ensembles and orchestras.  For the past dozen years, she has regularly performed with the Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Janet enjoyed playing harp, as well in numerous craft hobbies, such as quilling with paper and cross stitch.  Janet was also a master at feeding her large (and hungry) family, and her memory will live on with many of her “world famous” recipes.

Private funeral services have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home. A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date.

Janet will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues. Donations in her honor may be made to:

Farmington Valley Symphony Orchestra

www.fvso.org

10th Annual Closer to Free Ride – Yale New Haven Smilow Cancer Hospital

www.rideclosertofree.org/participant/21281