Adrian Vittorio Languasco of Colchester, Vt., passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at the University of Vermont Medical Center.
Adrian Languasco’s life epitomizes the Italian concept of living la dolce vita. He always savored the simple pleasures, with a smile on his face. He danced through raindrops and lived a remarkable life.
Adrian was born in Imperia Oneglia, Italy, on St. Valentine’s Day in 1932, a most fitting day for someone who had so much love to share. Adrian spent his younger years in Italy during World War II. Even in a time of war, Adrian found the beauty that surrounded him by traveling the Italian foothills past occupying army soldiers to visit neighboring rabbit farms. He loved the time he got to spend with his sisters, Julie and Mirella, and would happily play any games they chose. The love and respect he had for his sisters and his mother were formative and something that he would carry with him throughout his life. He would always remark on the power of women and how he believed that they could do anything.
Adrian and his family left Italy for the U.S. when he was 17 years old. They entered the U.S. through Ellis Island in New York, settled in Hackensack, N.J., and then moved to Forest Hills, N.Y. Adrian proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He made the most of his time, trading his rations for money to be able to travel during his R&R. After his military service, Adrian explored different jobs, from bike delivery to the Fiat factory, but knew that these types of jobs would not make him happy. He studied Romance languages, receiving his BA from New York City College, followed by his master’s degree from Columbia University and his doctorate from Ca’ Forscari, University of Venice. Adrian found one of his true loves — teaching through language.
Adrian returned to Italy and in his travels saw a beautiful woman sitting on the shoreline of Diano Marina. This woman was Ingeborg, who would later become his wife. They built their lifelong relationship on language, with French being their language of love. They would later move to New York City together and then settle in Vermont.
Adrian taught Romance languages at Saint Michael’s College for 52 years. He truly embraced every moment of his teaching career. He taught his students with passion and humor — making sure that every student knew how to say in Italian, “Waiter, this tastes like the leather on the bottom of my shoe.” Adrian made lifelong friends at Saint Michael’s College who he cherished through his final days. His love of the college would translate in naming his only child — Michael.
Adrian loved his son and his family with all of his heart. He brought his family to amazing places in the world. He made sure they climbed every mountain. When home with his family, one of his favorite pastimes was to tell stories of the past. Adrian was a gifted storyteller and could weave a story for hours.
At the age of 52, Adrian decided he would like to run marathons. He found great joy in running and would go on to run 25 marathons plus many other races around the world. He spent his retirement on the bike path of Burlington along the beautiful shore of Lake Champlain; he was either on his bike or his cross-country skis. When not on his bike path or exploring, he could be found watching his favorite soccer team, Sampdoria.
Adrian is survived by his wife, Ingeborg; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Deborah; grandson, Leonardo; sister Julie Languasco Foley and her husband, Lieutenant General Retired Robert Foley, and their children, Mark, David and Sara; and niece, Cinzia Berletti, her husband, Lorenzo Papa, and their children Luca, Vanessa and Alessia. Adrian was predeceased by his mother, Maria Carmen Languasco; his father, Bernardo Languasco; and his sister Mirella Berletti.
Adrian’s friends who were by his side during his adventures, your support and impact will not be forgotten. To the people who made his final years, months and days so wonderful, we sincerely appreciate you.
To honor the memory of Adrian — wear something colorful, go outside and enjoy the day, skip a responsibility, and take that trip you always wanted to!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Saint Michael’s College Romance Language Scholarship Fund in honor of Adrian Languasco.
Calling hours will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, 4:30-7 p.m., at Ready Funeral Home, 216 Shelburne Rd., Burlington, VT. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, 10 a.m., at Saint Michael’s College, the Chapel of the Archangel Michael, with interment to follow at Saint Michael’s College Merrill Cemetery, followed by a reception. School is in session; allow extra time for parking.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ready Funeral & Cremation Services. To send online condolences, please visit readyfuneral.com.
This article appears in Apr 9-15, 2025.