Gino Aldo Pacitto

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Gino
Aldo Pacitto, who left us peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the age of
52.

Born in Utica, New York, Gino was a source of light, laughter, and
unwavering love for everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He
had a rare and beautiful gift — the ability to make people feel truly seen.
Whether through his warm smile, his witty humor, or the countless quiet ways
he showed up for family and friends, Gino was the kind of man who
remembered what you said, showed up when you needed him, and always
made you feel special.

If you knew Gino, you knew that the one thing he loved most in this world was
his son, River. The bond between them was something to behold. Gino
poured himself into fatherhood with the same generosity and gentleness he
brought to everything he loved. That bond is unbreakable, and River carries
his father's heart with him always.

Gino felt most at home in nature, hiking trails with his beloved dog Chief by
his side, beach walks, working on home projects, and losing himself with his
favorite music tunes or in a good book. Gino graduated Summa cum laude
from Manchester Community College and dedicated his career to healing
others as a talented respiratory therapist at New Britain General Hospital and
throughout the Hartford Hospital Medical Group — a calling that suited him
perfectly, because caring for people was simply who he was.

He is loved and survived by his son River Pacitto; his mother, Joy Pacitto; his
father, Howard Wettreich; his twin sister, Mia Belanger, and brother-in-law,
Jay Belanger; Rivers mother, Molly McIntyre; Avory Vitello, sister of River;
stepmother Susie Prelaz; brothers Aldo Prelaz and Anthony Prelaz; sister
Joann Strazullo; and his extended family who cherished him deeply. He was
preceded in death by his father, Walter Prelaz. His memory lives on in every
story told, every tradition he loved, and every person whose life he touched.

The family asks for privacy to honor and cherish our precious Gino. Gatherings
to celebrate Gino’s life will be coordinated soon.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Gino’s generous spirit, for those who
wish to honor his memory and help to ensure his teenage son’s future
continues to be cared for, the following fund has been established for River.

Gino, you have left us with the greatest gift of knowing you and experiencing
your love. Your legacy will remain in our hearts forever.

https://gofund.me/ea9b9cae8