Dillina Briglia, age 83 of Newtown passed away peacefully Sunday December 6, 2015 at her home. She was born in Bronx, New York on June 20, 1932 a daughter of the late Nicholas and Claire (Cappiello) Briglia. Miss Briglia was raised in Mount Vernon, NY and attended Hunter College and Germaine School of Art and Photography in Manhattan. She was a professional photographer and owner of Dillina Studio in Newtown, specializing in family and children’s portraits as well as animal photography. Dillina purchased her Newtown home and property in 1963, delighting in the time she spent in her organic gardens and raising horses and other animals for the past 52 years. An excellent athlete, she enjoyed all types of sports and outdoor activities. Dillina played, coached and refereed girls and women’s softball and basketball as well as boys 9-12 year old basketball in Mount Vernon, NY where she also taught swimming and served as Recreational Director. She was a 4-H leader for many years, hosting the club meetings on her Newtown property. An avid boater, Dillina especially enjoyed wooden boats, owning many types over the years. She loved sharing this enjoyment with family and friends. Miss Briglia was a longtime member of the Woodridge Lake Property Owners Board of Directors in Goshen, CT and served as chairperson of the Boating and Lake and Dam Commissions of Woodridge Lake. She was a member of the Antique Automobile Club, Housatonic Valley Region Chapter. As the second oldest of eight children, Dillina was instrumental in helping to raise her younger siblings. She will always be fondly remembered as an adventurous, independent spirit.
Dillina is survived by her siblings, Ann Addonzio of Pleasantville, NY, Donald Briglia of Palo Alto, CA, Elaine Harper of Melbourne, FL, Nicholas Briglia and his wife Joan of Newtown, Vincent Briglia of Brooklyn, NY, Donna Ferrara and her husband James of Brookfield. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews that were the light of her eyes.
All Funeral Services are private. There are no calling hours. Contributions to Regional Hospice and Homecare of Western Connecticut, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810 www.regionalhospicect.org will be appreciated by Dillina’s family. The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St. Newtown is serving the family. To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com

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