Carmela Santacroce Cassella, 96, of Wallingford, formerly of Culver Lane, North Haven passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at the Masonicare Health Center, Wallingford. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony Cassella. Carmela was born in New Haven on January 24, 1924 and was the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary Gambardella Santacroce. She had worked for All State Insurance of North Haven and Woodbridge, and later for the former Sears & Roebuck. Carmela enjoyed singing, cooking, but most of all being with her family who she loved unconditionally. Mother of Paula Saccavino, Janet (Guy) Tennyson, and Carol Cretella. Grandmother of Tonya (Richard) Graziano, Michelle (Carlos Gil) Tennyson, Sharlene (Colin) Hench and Kristina (Liam) Lytle. Great grandmother of Marisa Montavani, Alexa Mantovani, Colin Hench, Jr., Layla Hench and Gabriel Tennyson Gil. Predeceased by her son-in-laws Robert Saccavino and Paul Cretella, sisters Theresa Edwards, Angelina Criscuolo and brothers, Alphonse, Anthony, and Frank Santacroce. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would to extend a “Special Thank You” to all the nurses and staff at the Masonicare for all the comfort and care given to Carmela.
The visiting hour will be Thursday morning, Sept. 10th from 9:30 to 10:30 at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Her funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Church of the Resurrection, Wallingford at 11:00. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Charitable Foundation, 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford CT 06492.
Dear Janet and Family – heartfelt sympathy to everyone in your family. Memories of your Dad building my parents family room and garage and your Mom being such a good friend to my Aunt Mary Cacace.
Ironically our Moms ( Lucy) passed on the same day.
God Bless- Bob LaMonaca
I became acquainted with Carmela doing volunteer service in Masonicare. I did a history program on Monday afternoons. My program was preceded by Grandma’s Kitchen. Carmela always attended and she always made sure that I was given a treat from the kitchen. She always asked if I got it and did I enjoy it.
I know she was aight impaired but that didn’t hold her back. She always thanked me for coming. We always had to shake hands at the end when she would tell me she would see me next week.
It’s sad that the pandemic stopped volunteer service. My last visit was on March ninth.
I formed bonds with the residents during my years of volunteer service. I have seen them pass on but each one of them made my life richer. And so it was with Carmela.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you for your kind words Mr. Carlo. I am grateful that Masonicare has caring volunteers like yourself.
With deepest appreciation from the family of Carmela.
We met Carmela when our aunt Camille Bonocchi became her roommate on Ramage 5. When we first met her, we told her we would never forget her name because we lived on Cassella Dr, in Wallingford! During the years, she and Camille formed a very close bond. Always looking out for each other, helping each other and like any roommates even having disagreements but always there for one another! Camille
was so sad when she heard the news as were we. Our deepest sympathy to her entire family! May she Rest In Peace
Sincerely,
Tom and Joann Souchuns