We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved mom, grandma and great grandma, Lee Ferraiolo. She died at home surrounded by her two daughters, Jennifer, and Susan, in the early morning after a brief period of deteriorating health. We had her joy and laughter for 96 years and there will be a hole in our lives forever.

Lee was born in New Haven on June 3rd 1927, graduated from Hill House high and attended nursing school at Saint Raphaels hospital, also in New Haven. She was predeceased by her loving husband Felix Ferraiolo, whom she adored, daughter Rosemary Smith, parents Rose and Vincent Richitelli, brother Vincent Richitelli Jr and sister Irene Rogers. She is survived by her daughters Jennifer Long (sp David Silverman), Susan Pinsonneault(sp Jay Pinsonneault), dear son in law Michael Berkun and David Smith, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

She was the life of the party anywhere, any time and brought her zest for life wherever she went, which drew people to her and made them remember her. She enjoyed going to movies, family parties, beach vacations and trips to NYC and the Meriden senior center where she had dear friends. Up until a week of her death, she was still working on paintings, and making ceramic pieces regularly for her children, grand and great grandchildren. Her joy and warmth were palpable, and she shared that freely with everyone. We will miss her sharp wit, blithe spirit, silliness, and laughter forever. We will honor her by trying to live well and fully and take nothing in life for granted, as she did.

We are still processing this loss and arrangements for her funeral and will announce the details soon. We invite you to make donations to American Heart association in Lee’s honor.

Visiting will be on Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the funeral home.