I am a lifelong Connecticut resident, aside from my time at Elon University in North Carolina. I grew up in Orange and now live in Milford. I have been married to my husband, Rick for 27 years (and counting).
I have and continue to be a teacher at Six to Six Magnet School in Bridgeport for the past 23 years. I currently teach Technology.
I love to spend the warm months sailing around Long Island Sound.
I am an animal lover and currently have two beagle mixes.
About Gretchen Maass DiStefano
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family consists of my husband, Rick; my step-daughter, Kayleigh (and her husband Kevin) and my daughter Sydney. Our family story would not be complete without mentioning our furry four legged members, Ally and Mocha.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am the Technology Teacher at Six to Six Magnet School in Bridgeport, CT. I love working with chldren and especailly when they are able to have that “light bulb” moment when they are able to understand something they had been struggling with.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Advice I would give to people is to be kind to everyone. You never know what someone else is dealing with or going through.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5-10 years, I hope to find myself retired and able to travel.
Gretchen Maass DiStefano & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Some of my favorite restaurants in our area are: Dive Bar (West Haven), Jimmy’s Apizza (Milford), Bar 333 (Milford) and Founder’s House (Milford)
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in the Milford/Orange area all my life (I’m not saying how many years that is).
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
I have met so many interesting people in this area that it is hard to nail it down to one.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Dip Top makes me most nostalgic because I grew up going there when it was just a take out window and people ate their treats in the parking lot.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about our community is how close we are to Long Island Sound. We have such a beautiful shoreline and I love all tings aquatic.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
The person I would choose to have lunch with is Cole Brauer. She is the first woman to solo sail around the world. I would love to hear her story and experiences. I would love to have lunch with her while sailing on our boat.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I love crime shows. I secretly want to be an FBI agent.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I can juggle!!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A sunny day sailing on Long Island Sound is 10 out 10.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My daughter, Sydney, inspires me to be better. She helps me keep up with the world and helps me to see things from all perspectives.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Home to me means comfort, safety and love.
