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Nicholas A. Afragola

Nicholas (Nick) Anthony Afragola, 74, a longtime resident of Hamden, passed away at home on July 20, 2008, with his loving family by his side.

Nick was born on Dec. 7, 1933, to the late Jerry and Mary (Selitte) Afragola in New Haven. He graduated from Boardman Trade School of New Haven, was a communicant of Ascension Church and a past member of the Mix Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Afragola, of Hamden; three daughters, Laura (Mike) Avery of North Haven and Sheri and Pamela Afragola both of Hamden; one sister, Carmel Walsh of Hamden; three grandchildren, Cody, Adam and Marissa Avery of North Haven; a nephew, Steven (Cathy) Walsh, and a niece, Sharon (Larry) Regan all of Hamden. He also leaves behind his good friend and caregiver, Shequitta McDuffie.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, July 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave., before proceeding to Ascension Roman Catholic Church, 1050 Dunbar Hill Road, where the Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon. Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park. For those wishing, online condolences may be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Theresa B. Schuster passed away June 20, 2008, surrounded by her loving family and friends at her home in Hamden. She was 77.

She was born Dec. 17, 1930, in New Haven, to Clarance and Ethel Benson. Theresa graduated Hamden High School in 1949, and was a lifelong resident of Hamden.

Mrs. Schuster was a communicant at Blessed Sacrament Church. She was a comptroller for SNET in New Haven for 25 years. She was a very active woman involved with the New Haven Women's Club, the Elks of Hamden, the Irish-American Club of East Haven, the Telephone Pioneers Club and she volunteered at the Clelian Center in Hamden.

She was predeceased by her husband Herman M. Schuster in 2003, and a brother and sister-in-law, James (Betty) Benson.

Surviving are a son, Thomas M. Schuster of Hamden; a daughter and son-in-law, Patricia S. (John) Buhalo of Philadelphia; a daughter, Kathleen M. Schuster of Hamden; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph (Marie) Benson of Wallingford; a sister, Ethel Keogh; three grandchildren Michelle, Nicole and Kristen Buhalo; a great grandson, Marcus Skinner; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be June 23 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave. A mass will be offered Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Church. Interment will follow at St. Marys Cemetery, Hamden.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Theresa's name to the Clelian Center, 261 Benham St., Hamden, CT 06514, or the Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. Online condolences can be offered to the family a www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Harvey R. Sommer passed away June 16, 2008, at Saint Raphael's Hospital, New Haven. He was 85. Born in New Haven in June of 1922 to Sidney Sommer and Mary Cheh, Mr. Sommer was a lifelong resident of Hamden.

He graduated from MIT in 1944, during which he joined and served in the United States Navy during World War II. Mr. Sommer loved traveling and gourmet cooking. He was an avid golfer, and a true Renaissance man.

He was predeceased by his wife, Rosemary Doolan, in February of 2000, and his sister, Gwen Patrick.

Surviving are a son, Christopher Mark Sommer, a daughter, Nancy Sommer Nicholson of East Haven, a son-in-law, Timothy P. Nicholson of Branford, two grandchildren, Michael and Matthew Nicholson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held June 22 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave. A memorial service will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the World Wildlife Federation, 1401 19th Street, Huntsville, Texas 77340. Online condolences can be offered to the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Annette Proto, 83, wife of the late Frank Proto of Hamden, peacefully passed away June 13, 2008, at her home. She will be sadly missed by her daughter, Madeline Griego, sons Frank and Glenn (Kristiane) Proto and her eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Annette was the sister of the late Rose Crescenti, Carmella Apuzzo, James Esposito, Andrew Esposito, Michael Esposito, Pasquale Esposito, Joseph Esposito, Louis Esposito, Biaggio Esposito and Frank Esposito and had several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave., on June 16 from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. Friends and family will meet on June 17 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home before proceeding to Blessed Sacrament Church, where the Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to the American Diabetes Association, 306 Industrial Park Road, Suite 105, Middletown, CT 06457, in Annette’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Helen M. Haas, 79, passed away June 11, 2008. Helen was born to the late Joseph and Pauline (Levenduski) Binkoski on June 22, 1928, in New Haven, where she resided until moving to Hamden 57 years ago.

Helen married the late Henry Haas in 1947, and was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church. She is survived by her son, Frank (Denise) Haas of West Hartford, three daughters: Karen (David) Wojciechowski and Laura (Frank) DeStefano, all of Cheshire, and Bonnie (Roderick) McLennan of Guilford and her sister, Madeline Yuhas of East Haven.

Helen also leaves her grandchildren Melissa, Adam, Leah and Jessica, as well as many nieces, nephews and her cat, Columbo. She was predeceased by four brothers -- Victor, Joseph, Raymond and Teddy Binkoski.

The family will be receiving friends Sunday, June 15, from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave. Friends and family will then gather on Monday, June 16, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home before proceeding to Blessed Sacrament Church, where the Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Helen’s memory to VNA Services, Inc., 1100 Sherman Ave., Hamden, CT 06514. For those wishing, online condolences may be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Evelyn D. Jarvis

Evelyn D. Jarvis, 83, of Hamden, died peacefully on May 25, 2008, at Arden House. She was the wife of the late Glenwood E. Jarvis.

Evelyn was born in New Haven on July 12, 1924, a daughter of the late John and Alice Dunn. Evelyn was the beloved mother of John and his wife, Mary, of Milford; and Glenn (Dick) and his wife, Barbara, Debbie Schreck and her husband, Steve, and Doreen Fitzmaurice and her, husband, John, all of Hamden. Evelyn also leaves six cherished grandchildren Kerri, Matthew, Jonathan, Elizabeth, Kristal and Alie, as well as a brother, John Dunn of St. Helena, Calif., and a sister, Jean Strawson, of West Haven.

Evelyn worked for many years as a bookkeeper in the Bursar's Office at Southern Connecticut State University and was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church. The family will receive friends at the Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave., on Tuesday, May 27 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 28, at 10 a.m. to join the procession to Blessed Sacrament Church, where the Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. For those wishing, online condolences may be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Alma V. Corniello Iezzi, 85, of 365 Mather St., Hamden, died May 20, 2008. She was the widow of Michael A. Iezzi.

Alma was born in New Haven on May 27, 1922, the daughter of the late Vincent and Theresa Piccotti Corniello. She was a founding member of the Gems, a member of the Ladies Auxilary of the Hamden Italian-American Club, a longtime communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church and a devoted mother to her five sons, Rocco (Barbara) Iezzi, Peter Pappas and Michael R. (Amy) Iezzi, all of Hamden, and Vincent A. (Brenda) Iezzi of Northford and Robert (Donna) Iezzi of Louisville, Ky.

Alma was a sister of Phyllis Longobardi of New Haven, Julius Corniello of Northford and the late Luisa Squelia, Julia Cangiano, Jane Monaco and Anthony, Joseph, Frank and John Corniello. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral Friday at 9:15 a.m. from the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Ave., and at Blessed Sacrament Church at 10 a.m. Burial in All Saints Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Veronica M. Sturtze, 88, of Hamden, passed away April 29, 2008. Mrs. Sturtze was born on March 19, 1920, to the late Frederick and Isabel (Hammond) Bentze in Stratford. Veronica proudly served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp during World War II, where she was a member of the WAAC band and dance band, while stationed at Daytona Beach, Fla.

She was also a champion drummer in the feminine class representing the state of Connecticut at the World’s Fair in 1939. Veronica was predeceased by her husband, Earl Steven Sturtze. Surviving are three sisters, Mrs. Gloria Scheid of Greensboro, N.C., Mrs. Frank (Virginia) Harvey of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Mrs. Joseph (Phyllis) Schlosser of Wallingford, as well as many nieces and nephews.

There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be held at a later date and will be private. Hamden Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For those wishing, online condolences may be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Charles W. Odell III, 34, a lifelong Hamden resident, entered into eternal rest on April 28, 2008. Chuck was born to and is survived by Charles Jr. “Bill” and Annmarie “Babe” (Franco) Odell on April 14, 1974, in New Haven. He was a member of the Dunbar Hill Volunteer Company No. 8, an emergency medical technician and a former Eucharistic minister at Blessed Sacrament.

Chuck thoroughly enjoyed being an uncle to Brendan, and will be missed by all. Also surviving are two sisters Marcella Odell of Meriden and Amy Coppola of Hamden; nephew Brendan Coppola; and a special sister Lisa Bosco of Derby.

Mr. Odell was predeceased by his maternal grandparents; Dominic and Donna Edna Franco, and paternal grandparents Charles and Anne Odell. The family will receive friends on May 1from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave. Friends and family will gather at the funeral home on May 2 at 10:15 a.m. to begin procession to Blessed Sacrament where the Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., with interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.  For those wishing, online condolences may be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Martin T. Wozniak, 82, of Hamden, passed away on April 25, 2008. Martin was born on March 9, 1926, in Bobtown, Penn., to the late Martin and Rose (Hybel) Wozniak.

Mr. Wozniak served proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II, and later went on to graduate from Penn State with a bachelor’s in business administration. Martin is survived by his son, Martin T Wozniak and wife Maureen, of Hamden; daughter Janet Wozniak and husband John Winkelman, of Lexington, Mass.; and three grandchildren, Natalia, Tatiana and Jack Winkelman. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor (Vasilich) Wozniak, in 2006, and daughter Marilyn Wozniak.

At the request of the family, there will be no service. For those wishing, online condolences can be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Julia A. Nebor, 96, passed away March 14, 2008. Mrs. Nebor was a longtime Hamden resident, moving here from New Haven 56 years ago. She was a communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Julia was born Sept. 16, 1911, to the late Peter and Tekla (Czerwiec) Frydryk in Three Rivers, Mass. Mrs. Nebor was predeceased by her husband, John Nebor; two daughters, Dorothy Campbell and Marion Landino; as well as six brothers.

Surviving are her son, John F. Nebor of Hamden, son-in-law, Robert Landino of Texas, sister, Bernise Oliveira of Three Rivers, Mass., six sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Visitation will be held at Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Ave., on Tuesday, March 18, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on March 19 at 9 a.m. for prayers and then proceed to Blessed Sacrament Church where the Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Catholic Cemetery, North Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. For those wishing, online condolences may be left for the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Ellen Anne Martineau-Tobin passed away on Feb. 25, 2008, at the Arden House in Hamden after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 53.

Born in 1954 to the late Philip and Elizabeth (Reynolds) Martineau of Norwalk, she attended Central Catholic High School in Norwalk, and received a bachelor’s degree from CCSU in psychology, a master’s degree from CCSU in counseling, a sixth-year degree in school counseling from the University of Hartford, and an associate’s degree from Gateway Community College in early childhood education.

She was employed by the Diocese of Bridgeport for 13 years as a guidance counselor at Central Catholic High School in Norwalk, Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, and St. Joseph's High School in Trumbull. She also was employed for four years at the Hamden - North Haven YMCA as a caregiver in the child care center, as well as being a stay-at-home mom for four years in between jobs.

She was a member of the Mothers of Twins Association of Greater New Haven. She served as a Eucharistic minister for several years at the Blessed Sacrament Church in Hamden. She enjoyed numerous family vacations in the New England area, especially Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine.

Surviving are her husband of 26 years, Michael; two sons, Sean and Patrick; a sister Mary Beth Berkson of Chicago, Ill.; and a brother, Philip Martineau of Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ellen's name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, 279 New Britain Road, Suite #5, Kensington, Conn., 06037. Online condolences can be offered to the family at www.hamdenmemorialfh.com.

Rose Carusone

Rose Ann Carusone, 91, of Hamden passed away on Feb. 21, 2008. She was born to the late Joseph and Carmela Citterella on Aug. 7, 1916, in New Haven.

Rose had worked until 1950 at the Winchester factory in New Haven. Mrs. Carusone was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Columbiettes. She was a very caring woman, and loved to entertain and travel the United States with her family. Rose’s favorite holiday was Christmas, where she could share her joy of cooking with her friends and family during the holiday festivities.

Rose is predeceased by her husband, Michael A. Carusone, and two sisters, Eleanor Villani and Josephine Chamberlain. Surviving are her two daughters, Roseann Geleneau and husband George Jr. of Hamden and Susan M. Carusone of Meriden; and her granddaughter, Melissa Geleneau of Hamden. For those wishing, online condolences may be left for the family at www.HamdenMemorialFH.com.

Esther Parisi

Esther Parisi, 90, a longtime resident of Hamden, passed away Jan. 26, 2008. Mrs. Parisi was born April 8, 1917, to the late Gennaro and Julia (Banks) DeLucia in New Haven. Esther was a loving and devoted wife and mother, having wed Vincent Parisi in 1945. She is survived by her husband, Vincent, who misses her dearly, as well as her son, Vincent M. Parisi, daughter, Joyce G. Parisi, and two grandchildren.

Vittorio Rossi

Vittorio Rossi, 91, of Hamden passed away peacefully on Jan. 17, 2008. Mr. Rossi was born on March 15, 1916, to the late Gabriele and Theresa (Calvano) Rossi in Melizzano, Italy.

Vittorio was the loving husband of Margherita (Mercone) Rossi for over 62 years. Besides his adoring wife, Mr. Rossi is survived by his son Armand E. and wife Sharon (Fusco) Rossi of Madison; loving granddaughters Kristen and Amy Rossi of Madison; and nephew Eugene Rossi of Rome, N.Y.  He is predeceased by his son Gabriele Rossi, daughter, Theresa Rossi, brother, Pasquale “Patsy” Rossi, and nephew Richard Rossi. Vittorio was a wonderful and caring man and will be missed by many.

Anthony "Tut" DellaRocco

Anthony "Tut" DellaRocco, 80, a lifelong Hamden resident, passed away Dec. 29, 2007. Mr. DellaRocco was born in New Haven on Nov. 19, 1927, to the late Salvatore and Lucy DellaRocco. Mr. DellaRocco is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn; two sons, Anthony and wife, Bonnie DellaRocco, and Alan DellaRocco; daughter, Lynn DellaRocco, and husband, Bud Rudnick; brother, Raymond and wife, Linda DellaRocco; sister, Sally Farren; and two grandchildren, Michael Iovene and Alexa DellaRocco.

Charles Edward Wade

Charles Edward Wade, 81, passed away Dec. 29, 2007, at the Florida Hospital at Zephyr Hills. Born in New Haven, he lived in Hamden for 70 years before moving to Florida 10 years ago.

Mr. Wade was a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a communicant of St. Rita's Church in Hamden. Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Catherine Nolan Wade; a son Edward Wade, a son and daughter-in-law Gregory and Katie Wade, a son Charles Wade, a daughter Kathleen Wade, a son Douglas Wade; a brother, Robert Wade; and three grandchildren, Katlyn, Jennifer and Bryan Wade.

Dolores Dorothy Bengivengo passed away Dec. 20, 2007, at Yale-New Haven Hospital. She was born to the late Anna Palumbo Valentino and the late Raymond R. Valentino in Southington, Conn., on Oct. 22, 1926.

A resident of Hamden for most of her life, she was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church and a past president of the church’s ladies league. For many years she filled several offices of the Cavenaugh Council of the Columbiettes, including that of president, and held the post of president of the Connecticut state chapter.

Dolores graduated Hamden High School and attended New York University before becoming a medical technician for Burt Laboratories and later for Eudow Laboratory. She is predeceased by her brother, Raymond Valentino Jr., and sister, Theresa Cozzolino. She is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Joseph Bengivengo, sisters Frances Volk of Branford, Ann Camarota of Marlboro, Mass., and Beverly Swan of Simsbury, as well as many nieces, nephews and grand- nieces and nephews.

Rosemary Ferrucci Cassidy

Rosemary Ferrucci Cassidy peacefully passed away on Dec. 11, 2007, at the Connecticut Hospice of Branford, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in New Haven, she was a lifelong resident of Hamden. She was predeceased by her father, Ralph Ferrucci. Surviving are her husband of 52 years, William Arthur Cassidy, and her mother, Rose Marone Ferrucci. Rosemary shared her life with her seven children, Kevin (Barbara) Cassidy, Sharon (Jim) Welch, Janet (Bill) Coughlin, Brian (LeAnn) Cassidy, David (Laura) Cassidy, Laura (Greg) Capuano and Leigh (Joe) Mangino. She had 25 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Also surviving are her siblings and their spouses, Raffaello Ferrucci, Arlene Steinlauf, Catherine Ferrucci, Nancy Ferrucci (George Rigoulot), Michael Ferrucci (Beth MacArthur), and a sister-in-law Mary (George) Caulfield and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her family, Rosemary had many friends. She was a retired employee of the Hamden Board of Education. She was a member of the Hamden Women's Club as well as an active member of the Blessed Sacrament Church. Rosemary was also a member of the Irish American Community Center and Irish American Community Center Retirees. She loved to travel, garden and cook and was an avid reader. She will be truly missed by those who loved her.

The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff at the Hospital of St. Raphael and at the Connecticut Hospice of Branford. In addition, the family extends a special thank you to Dr. Jeremy Kortmansky and his staff.

Margaret Arline Giampapa

Margaret Arline Giampapa passed away Dec. 17, 2007, at the Hospital of St. Raphael. She was 76. Born in Meriden, she was a lifelong resident of Hamden.

Mrs. Giampapa was a parishioner at St. Ann's Church in Hamden. She had a love for gardening, crocheting, doing puzzles and being with her children and grandchildren. Margaret was an avid fan of the UCONN Women's Basketball Team. A perfect way to describe Margaret was "small but mighty."

She was predeceased by her mother and father, Henry and Gertie Feegel; a brother, Robert Feegel; and a sister, Margie Miller. Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Anthony S. Giampapa Sr. They became true partners on Oct. 24, 1949. Also surviving are two sons and their wives, Anthony S. Jr. and Patricia Giampapa of North Carolina and Philip G. Sr. and Merri Giampapa of Connecticut; two daughters and their husbands, Patricia E. and Russell Kalbfeld of Illinois, and Virginia R. and Eugene Petersen of Connecticut; a sister-in-law Mary Feegel of Connecticut; a brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Evelyn Feegel of Maine, a sister-in-law Frances Fortuna of Connecticut, a sister-in-law Rose Downey of California, a brother-in-law and his wife, Joseph and Audrey Giampapa of South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Nicole Giampapa-Burrus and her husband, Jerry Burrus, Nadine Giampapa, Philip Giampapa Jr., Daniel Petersen, Alyssa Giampapa, Matthew Kalbfeld, Jeffrey Petersen and Noah Kalbfeld; two great-grandsons Cody Giampapa and Aiden Burrus; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Katharine B. “Kitty” Raban

Katharine “Kitty” Raban of Hamden passed peacefully away on Nov. 14, 2007, at the age of 98. Mrs. Raban was born Jan. 5, 1909, to the late David and Estella (Hoover) Barnett Sr., in Delta, Penn. She was the wife of the late Alfred M. Raban.

Kitty was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Mrs. Raban is survived by her sons, William of Essex Junction, Vt., and Fred and wife, Susan, of Nashua, N.H.; two grandchildren, Kristin Whitworth and Meredith Paquette; three great grandchildren, Ryder Whitworth and Evan and Adam Paquette; two nephews, Robert Slater of Florida and David Barnett of Cheshire; as well as many nieces. She was predeceased by her daughter, Joan Raban, and two brothers, William and David Barnett Jr.

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