July 17, 1983 – December 14, 2012

She was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, the daughter of Mary Carmody D’Avino and Ralph D’Avino. She graduated from Nonnewaug High School in 2001, and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hartford, a master’s degree from Post University, and at the time that she was killed, she was studying to receive her Ph.D from the University of St. Joseph of Hartford’s Institute for Autism and Behavioral Studies in West Hartford. One week before her death, she had completed her course work to become a board certified behavioral analyst. [1]  She began working at the school a week before the shooting. [2]

One of her professors, at the University of St. Joseph of Hartford’s Institute for Autism and Behavioral Studies, John Molteni, said in a Facebook post that D’Avino was within days of completing her course. He said, “She was a paraprofessional working with a student with special needs, something she had dedicated her life to doing. She had just completed her coursework to sit for her certification exam on Wednesday.” He “also said “there would be a memorial mass at the University of St. Joseph Tuesday at noon.” D’Avino’s funeral service was held on Friday in Bethlehem. [3]

Just before the shooting rampage, Rachel D’Avino’s boyfriend had asked her parents for permission to marry her. D’Avino’s boyfriend, Anthony Cerritelli, planned to ask her to marry him on Christmas Eve according to Lissa Lovetere Stone, a friend. Lissa said she met D’Avino in 2005 when D’Avino was assigned to her son, who has autism, in Bethlehem. D’Avino, totally dedicated to helping children, even made home visits and “constantly offered guidance on handling situations such as helping her son deal with loud music at a wedding. Her job didn’t end when the school bell rang at 3 o’clock.” The police “told her family that she shielded one of the students during the rampage.” Lovetere Stone said. “I’m heartbroken. I’m numb. I think she taught me more about how to be a good mother to a special needs child than anyone else ever had.” [4]

The casket of Rachel D’Avino was carried from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Connecticut on Friday. Credit Jim Shannon/The Republican-American, via Associated Press

Rachel Marie D’Avino was buried Friday after a funeral at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Connecticut. [5]

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Connecticut

The procession for Rachel Marie D’Avino drives to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Connecticut, for her funeral Friday, December 21, 2012

This is the story that one of her sisters sent to Autism Speaks:

“I walk for my sister Rachel D’Avino, and all the children that miss out on having an amazing ally. Rachel was a gifted behavioral therapist working at Sandy Hook elementary at the time of the shooting. She without hesitation rushed her kiddos into the bathroom. When the time came, she used her body as a shield to try and save the children in her charge. She is our hero and our motivation. We are now left with a void in our lives. We find solace at the walk in Connecticut. With each step we take, we keep Rachel’s dream alive. We spread love, kindness, and acceptance every day.” [6]

“Rachel had said only two days before her death; it is my DREAM to be known as a leader in the field of behavioral science for adults and children with Autism. However, I will be thrilled if I make a few lives easier and more enjoyable. Rachel was a hero to children long before 12/14, she was a hero on that horrific day, and through us, she will remain a hero to children. We walk for Rachel, the children that miss her daily, and for those that never got the chance to have an amazing ally.” [7]
 

[1] Rachel Marie D’Avino – A True Hero, http://rachelmariedavino.com/, retrieved 1/15/2018

[2] Liz Robbins, Mourning a Boy Who Flapped His Wings, and 25 Other Lives in Newtown, New York Times, 12/21/2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/22/nyregion/a-newtown-conn-boy-who-flapped-his-wings-is-mourned.html; retrieved 1/15/2018

[3] Kevin Dolak, Newtown, Conn., Shooting: Teacher’s Aide Rachel D’Avino’s Boyfriend Was Set to Propose, 12/17/2012, http://abcnews.go.com/US/newtown-shooting-teachers-aide-rachel-davinos-boyfriend-propose/story?id=17999719; retrieved 1/15/2018

[4] The Newtown Shooting Victims: Who They Were, https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/The-Newtown-Shooting-Victims-Who-They-Were-183658461.html; retrieved 12/13/2017

[5] Updates on Connecticut Shooting Aftermath, The New York Times, 12/21/2012, https://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/21/updates-on-connecticut-shooting-aftermath-3; retrieved 12/27/2017

[6] Team Rachel, https://www.facebook.com/TeamRachelWW/photos/a.356244024482373.1073741829.352846288155480/822791024494335/?type=3&theater; retrieved 12/27/2017

[7] Team Rachel, https://www.facebook.com/TeamRachelWW/photos/a.356244024482373.1073741829.352846288155480/822791024494335/?type=3&theater; retrieved 12/27/2017