Amelia Gallucci graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1938. After graduation, she started teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Connecticut. Then in 1947 Viola earned a master’s degree from Boston University. In 1952 Viola Merritt and Italian businessman, the late, Henry A. Circio. They honeymooned and lived near Rome for two years. After returning to the United States the couple moved to Phoenix, where Viola began a successful career in real estate.
Viola and her husband shared a love for Italian culture and traveled to Europe many times during their marriage. Throughout her life, Viola has pursued her deep interest in the study of Western Civilization by focusing on the art and culture of Italy. In 1995 she establishes the Henry A. Circio at Teikyo-Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. The fund assists children and teenagers and rolled in the Alba program. The Alba program offers students Italian cultural courses and language classes. Because of her philanthropic contributions, Viola has been given a lifetime membership in the society for the Promotion of Roman Studies in London.
Viola is known as a generous giving person, but she is also known for her love of cooking. She has mastered many Italian favorites from her kitchen. In addition to the many kindnesses Viola has bestowed on her three sisters, brother, and numerous nieces and nephews she’s a nationally known benefactor and a true renaissance woman. Viola travels to the east coast several times a year but when in Phoenix she enjoys going to several location Italian restaurants and loves listening to Saturday afternoon opera radio broadcasts from the Met.
Amelia Viola Gallucci-Circio's life was full. She was filled with love for family and friends while exhibiting a philanthropic spirit with grace and dignity her generosity to those who bring Italian culture into the community is a gift to us all. Amelia Viola Gallucci-Circio is the definition of a “role model” for the 21st century.
| Amelia V. Galluci-Circio Collection is a digitized collection available online, with original physical documents and supporting artifacts available for view by appointment. If you would like to learn more about Amelia V. Galluci-Circio Collection please contact Archives & Special Collections at Fitchburg State University at (978) 665-4869. |
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Amelia Viola Gallucci-Circio's life was full. She was filled with love for family and friends while exhibiting a philanthropic spirit with grace and dignity her generosity to those who bring Italian culture into the community is a gift to us all. Amelia Viola Gallucci-Circio is the definition of a “role model” for the 21st century. |
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Amelia Gallucci graduated from Fitchburg State College in 1938. After graduation, she started teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in Connecticut. Then in 1947 Viola earned a master’s degree from Boston University. In 1952 Viola Merritt and Italian businessman, the late, Henry A. Circio. They honeymooned and lived near Rome for two years. After returning to the United States the couple moved to Phoenix, where Viola began a successful career in real estate. |
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Former Teacher Honored Amelia V. Gallucci-Circio, a former Naugatuck teacher, was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the commencement exercises on May 26 at her alma mater, Fitchburg State College in Fitchburg, MA. Galluci-Circio has made generous contributions to Fitchburg State University. As an active supporter of the College's Cultural Series, she recently established "The Center for Italian Culture" which sponsors classes in the Italian language and culture, films, concerts, folk dances, and music at the college campus. |
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Through an initial gift from Mrs. Amelia V. Galluci-Circio, Fitchburg State University class of 1930, the Center for Italian Culture was established in 1999 as one of the college's community outreach programs. The room was located on the 4th floor in Amelia V. Gallucci-Circio Library. The purpose of this center was to encourage the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of the Italian language and culture, including ancient and contemporary studies, and the Italian experience in the New World. |
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Amelia V. Gallucci-Circio has also been actively involved in the "Alba Classes", a program that teaches young people(ages 5-14 years) the Italian language and culture. Classes were held at Teikyo Post University, Waterbury, CT. every Saturday morning during the school year. Alba Program in Waterbury CT 1998. |
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Amelia Viola Gallucci Junior High Education Amelia's heigh is no indication of her true stature. Unassuming, through capable, and possessed of a keen mind, she has a most charming manner. Always a good listener, her poise and self-assurance never fail. We are sure that the future will bring success to our friend and classmate, Amelia. -Glee Club, Art Club |
