Dr John Thomas Culotta, 86, died peacefully surrounded by his family on May 22, at Danbury Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Marie (Pizzano) Culotta. Dr Culotta, born on October 21, 1929, in Waterbury, was a son of the late Mary (Mascari) and John Culotta.maioranofuneralhome.com.

After practicing dentistry for 46 years, Dr Culotta retired to Newtown to be close to his daughter and her family. Above all, he was a devoted husband, loving father, and most cherished grandfather.

He graduated from Driggs Grammar School and was a 1947 graduate of Crosby High School. Following high school, Dr Culotta entered the first class of Fairfield University and graduated in 1951. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, proud to serve his country for four years during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge, he entered Georgetown Dental School in Washington, DC, where he graduated cum laude and presented the valedictorian address in June 1959.

Dr Culotta returned to Waterbury and opened a private dental practice where he served the community until his retirement in 2005. Throughout his career, he was a member of and served on the boards of many associations, including the American Dental Society, Connecticut State Dental Association, and Dental Society of Waterbury. He served on the dean's Board of Advisors of Georgetown University, was a member of the Fairfield University President's Circle, and was a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his loving wife and best friend of 64 years, his beloved daughter, Beth Culotta Adams, and her husband Glen, of Newtown; his three cherished grandchildren, Olivia, Lauren, and Brendan Adams; and his brother, Joseph P. Culotta of Waterbury, survive him. He also leaves his brothers-in-law and their wives, A. William and Marie Pizzano,  Robert T. Sr and Carolyn Pizzano, and James R. and Sandie Pizzano; as well as several generations of nieces, nephews, and cousins, and many very special friends. His brothers Dr Anthony P. Culotta, Reverend Thomas Culotta, Charles Culotta, and Austin Culotta; and his sisters, Sr Angela Culotta, CND, and Rose Culotta predeceased him.

The funeral took place on Wednesday, May 25. Burial with full military honors was followed in Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The Joey Pizzano Memorial Fund, 1019 Cameron Street, Alexandria VA 22314. For online condolences visit