Gloria Ann Caruso of Hamden, CT, aged 78, passed away on June 7, 2021. Gloria, daughter of Philip and Caroline (Fappiano) Collesano of East Haven, CT, was born in New Haven, CT, December 14, 1942. She pre-deceases her four children, Leslie Hazen (Francis Albis) of Hamden, CT; Carol Hazen of San Diego, CA; Damian Caruso (Laura Caruso) of Prospect, CT; Erica Jerolman (George Jerolman) of Hamden, CT; eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and seven canine grandchildren. Gloria graduated from East Haven High School. She worked in the Youth Services Bureau in the Town of Hamden for the past 20 years, where she leaves behind many cherished colleagues. Gloria loved the sun, sand, and ocean, spending as much time as possible at the beach. She was a great cook, known especially for her Christmas cheesecake. She enjoyed cooking classes and culinary travels to Italy, France, and California. A free spirit, Gloria was known to sport vibrant hair color and bedazzled clothing styles. She was nicknamed a “colorful lady” by her nurses at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven. Gloria was deeply proud of her family and relished spending time celebrating holidays, birthdays, sporting events, graduations and weddings with them. Her outgoing personality and beautiful smile will be missed by all.
The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue has been entrusted with the arrangement. In lieu of visitation, memorial contributions may be made to The Animal Haven in North Haven or Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven. A private memorial service will be planned at the convenience of the family.
I had the pleasure of working with Gloria for over 20 years. She was not only my colleague, she was my friend. One of her favorite sayings, “What’s on my mind is on my tongue!”. Gloria truly said what she thought. I loved that about her. We had a lot of fun, went through lots of ups and downs and I will miss her dearly.
Gloria was such a bright light..dashed out way too soon. Always enjoyed working with you and sharing many memories of our time at Jimmies. You will be greatly missed my friend. 💔🙏😥
I am so sorry for your loss. I have such great memories of our summers in Albertas pool and mine! Gloria was the BEST❤️ Peace Light and Love 💕
Tracey and Theresa Vingiano
Rest peacefully,Gloria, you will be missed 🙏🏻
I worked with her way back when at Jimmies in Hamden, she was fun to work with and all who knew her will miss her smile and laughter. So sorry for your family’s loss of a great person.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know she will be deeply missed by her family. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dear Carol and family I am so sorry for your loss. I spent so much time at your house when we were young and will never forget all of our times with Gloria watching baseball and swimming in the pool. She was a great lady so spunky and full of life!! Sending love to you all.
I am soooo very sad of losing 😢 such a dear and long time friend ! We had alot of good times ❤ for over 35 years , at least ! My prayers and thoughts are with her whole family , I am awfully sorry for all of her family . You lost quite a treasure , God Bless 🙏
Gloria will be missed for sure. Always a bright light in the Jimmies crew! I can still hear her voice. Gone too soon Gloria. RIP. ❤️
So sorry to hear of Gloria’s passing. I know her through Town of Hamden Commission Youth Services. She was sick for quite a while. May she rest in peace!
Carol, Leslie and the rest of the family: we are incredibly sad to learn of your mother’s death. You and your family are in our thoughts. She was incomparable.
Much love–Katherine, Fritz & Harper