Barbara H. Davitt

Legendary WATR Talkshow Host, Trailblazer, Devoted Mother, Grandmother and Citizen

Barbara Hart Davitt, of Prospect, born December 29, 1933, in Farmington, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. She was the widow of her beloved husband Gerard A. Davitt and daughter of the late Seymour C. Hart and Theresa Bonelli Hart.  

Barbara, was a trailblazer in broadcasting, and a cherished voice in her community for more than six decades. She was best known as the host of “Coffee Break,” a daily radio talk show that aired for 61 years on WATR, and one of the longest running radio shows in America. Her familiar, comforting voice and engaging personality welcomed all interaction, making listeners feel as though she was speaking directly to each and every one of them. Bright, knowledgeable, spontaneous, and deeply interesting, Barbara was dedicated to her community, family and to helping others. 

Barbara is no stranger to the Arts. After graduating High School, she studied Drama at the Randall School in Hartford, and was a graduate of the Drama Lab and the highly acclaimed Neighborhood Playhouse in New York.  This, leading to her active involvement in Seven Angels Theatre, the Outer Critics Circle and being appointed to serve on the Board of the State Commissions on the Arts. Barbara was an active member of the Waterbury Lions Club and made history as its first female president. Her extensive service included involvement with the WATR Sunshine Fund-which supported local families in need, the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, the American Cancer Society and the Campership Fund.

In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, Barbara was inducted into the Connecticut Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2018. She received the Gold Service Award for Public Service and a Congressional Award for Distinguished Service to her Community, presented by then-Governor John Rowland, along with numerous citations honoring more than sixty years of service to her state and community.

Despite her many accomplishments, Barbara remained engaging, humble, and unassuming. A true broadcast pioneer with timeless class and an unmistakable flair for fashion, she carried herself with grace while making everyone around her feel seen, heard, and valued. Her undeniable influence on the arts, broadcasting, community service, and especially her family, will not be forgotten.  

Barbara leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Melissa Davitt Smith, and her husband Stan Smith of Lafayette Hill, PA; her four grandsons, Ryan, Houston, Sam, and Liam; Cousins David Hopkins and Thomas Bonelli of Florida and Lynne Napoli- Kyle of Plainville and several nieces and nephews. Barbara was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gerard A. Davitt, who passed away in 1987.

As was her wish, Barbara’s services will be:

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at  St. Anthony’s Church, 4 Union City Road, Prospect.  All those planning to attend services are asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be private.

In accordance with Barbara’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.  In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Barbara’s generous support of Waterbury’s youth, memorial donations may be made to Greater Waterbury Campership Fund at unitedwaygw.org.

Barbara’s voice may be silent, but her legacy of warmth, service, and connection will continue to resonate throughout the community she loved so deeply.

Prospect Memorial/ The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements and to care for the Davitt family during this difficult time and invites you to share your favorite memories, photos and words of comfort on Barbara's tribute wall on this website.

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