Vincenzo "Enzo" De Gasperis

Vincenzo “Enzo” De Gasperis passed peacefully in his sleep at his loving Kensington, CT home of over 50 years, surrounded by his devoted wife Valkiria (Grossi) De Gasperis and family, on Sunday morning, June 7, 2026. Enzo’s gentle departure was a reflection of the loving life he led.

Enzo was born in Derna, Libya, where his parents, Francesco De Gasperis and Maddalena Tersigni, were stationed during World War II. His father served as a military police officer in the Italian armed forces. Enzo’s roots are squarely in his true home of Sora, Italy—the place that defines his legacy and shaped his family, values and spirit.

A beloved figure in the Berlin–Kensington community, Enzo was much, much more than the local barber at The Star Barber Shop. He was a friend to all, always ready with a smile, a conversation, a story, or a laugh. His presence brought warmth and joy to everyone who walked through his door. Enzo was an active member of the Italian Political Club in Berlin, where he participated in—and often won—the Bocci tournaments and other games, sharing his competitive spirit and camaraderie. He was also a long-time member of the Berlin Lions Club, volunteering for countless community projects, especially the Berlin Fair, always eager to help and bring people together. He loved sports, especially soccer and of course, American football too, with the New England Patriots.

Enzo is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Valkiria, and their three children: Patrizia (and husband Bruce) Dawson, Corrado (and wife Helen) De Gasperis, and Christina De Gasperis. He was a proud grandfather to Krystle (Kaczynski) Hanewicz and her husband Jeff Hanewicz, Matthew (Kaczynski) and his wife Megan, Rowan, Michael, Abigail, and Sarah De Gasperis, and a joyful great-grandfather to Cole and Owen Kaczynski and Everly Hanewicz. Enzo’s love extended to his nieces, Tiziana De Gasperis, Giuseppina De Gasperis, and Maria Christina Lilla, and his first cousins Lucia (Sisti) LaRosa, Lillian (Sisti) McLoughlin, and Marisa (Sisti) Pulito, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Franco De Gasperis, his sister Erminia De Gasperis and his loving Zia Rosa (Tersigni) and cousin Anthony (Tony) Sisti.

Enzo emigrated from Italy to Berlin in 1968, driven by the hope of providing a better life for his family. He never left, because Berlin became his true home—a place where he built lasting friendships and touched so many lives with his kindness and generosity.

He was selfless, always putting his family first, and was the heart and laughter of every gathering. Enzo’s warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy lives on in the stories, smiles, and memories he leaves behind.

Visitation will be at the Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Hwy., Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5–8pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 9am at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home of Berlin followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Paul’s Church in Kensington. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Britain.