Melissa Jean Gentile, 49, of Naugatuck, passed away suddenly on Friday, February 11, 2022, at Waterbury Hospital. Melissa was born in New Haven, on December 29, 1972. A longtime resident of Durham, Melissa’s greatest pride was being a devoted mother to her two children, Andrew Gentile & Sophia Onofrio. Melissa was very proud of their many accomplishments, including Andrew’s service to our country in the United States Navy. A loving and amazing daughter, sister, and friend, whom her family was very proud of, Melissa will be missed by all who knew her; especially by her parents, Gerry and Rose Gentile of Durham, CT, and her sister Adrienne (Martin) Zimmer of Monroe, CT. She also leaves behind two nieces & a nephew, many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved her dearly.
Friends and family of Melissa are invited to meet directly at St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven, on Thursday, February 17th at 12 noon to attend a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Due to COVID concerns, the family requests that masks be worn during the services. In lieu of flowers, Melissa’s family respectfully requests that donations be made to the Sophia M. Onofrio Educational Fund; please contact Martin Zimmer for more information at MartyZimmer2020@gmail.com. The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, has been entrusted with arrangements
I am so very sorry to hear this. I loved Melissa♥️ Sending our deepest love and sympathy.
Karyn, Buddy and Savannah Wade
I worked with Melissa, she was wonderful, smart, funny and oh my goodness she helped me everyday. She was beautiful inside and out. I have only known her for one month but there are people that come in your life that you feel comfortable with and Melissa was that lady. She would make me laugh and tell me all the time I was going to be good at this job. She called me girl so “girlie I miss you, we all miss you but heaven gained a very beautiful special lady.
Dear Andrew and Soph & family,
Almost two years ago I met your mom via a Teams Meeting and little did we know that we would become a fixture in each other’s lives daily. She reached out toy cousin when her son left for training for the Navy to be a shoulder, an ear, a resource to a fellow Navy Mom. We had big plans for her to come to South Carolina to watch our daughter bowl, and I was going to travel north to cheer Soph on at the ballfield. Every single breath your Mom took was full of pride for you both. I’ll never think of phrases like “Oh, please!” Or “Amen Sister!” Without hearing them in her voice. The sadness that we feel has been great because the love for Melissa was deep. She made me a better human. Sending hugs and love.
Thea
Heartbroken to hear this news and grateful to have known Melissa. From first communion at Notre Dame to Coginchaug, class of ‘90, I am grateful.
Praying for strength for the Gentiles in this unimaginably challenging time.
Matthew
To my loving neighbors. My heart breaks for you.
Remembering all the fun my daughter, Megan, had throughout school, sports, fife & drum corps & just growing up! I’m sending love to Gerry & Rose & Adrienne & her family at this time. Celebrate Melissa’s life. Love, Sandra Harper
Although I met Melissa at work at Megapath/Fusion she certainly was not just a coworker but a dear friend. She was the most genuine nice person and really loved her kids, family and friends. We had so many fun memories together in the office, at happy hour, events and get togethers. I looked up to Melissa on how incredible of a mother she was and hope to follow in her footsteps. Heaven gained an incredible person and we are all lucky to have her as our Angel now. Love you Mel!
My love and prayers goes out to Gerry and Rose & Family, May your memories give you strength, and may God be with you and give you all comfort during this time. The McClure family sends their Love and Support during this time.
God Bless
Love Peter and Allison Reyes
To Andrew, Sophia and family,
I only had the pleasure of knowing your mom for 2 1/2 years at work. She was just a wonderful person to know and who had a great laugh. She was so incredibly proud of both of you and loved you so very much, Andrew and Sophia.
Sending my deepest Love and Sympathy,
Abby
We send our Love and Prayers to Gerry and Rose and Family. May your memories of Melissa give yo all strength. May God comfort yo with peace and hope in your hearts during this time
Love Peter and Allison Reyes
Melissa was an amazing friend-we met when our boys were in second grade together and we were neighbors and room mothers together. She always made me laugh and we enjoyed, as fellow Italians ,sharing recipes and home remedies . We lost touch but reconnected a year ago when Andrew and my son Sebastien were both stationed in Japan and we shared memories and spoke as if no time had passed -a lovely mom who adored her children and family. Will be so missed but never forgotten-prayers and strength to Andrew and Sophia and Melissa’s lovely family!
My memories of Melissa are like that of a little sister as she was close with my actual little sister Megan and the little sister of my friend Adrienne growing up. I had the pleasure of spending lots of time at the Gentile home and always admired the connection the family had. Melissa will remain in my memory as a little spark plug with a lots of sass! My thoughts and prayers go out to her children, Rose, Gerry, Adrienne, her nieces, nephew and all the people she touched throughout her life. I hope you find strength during this difficult time.
It truly sadden me to hear that our little Melissa has passed away. l will always remember all the times i spent with the whole Gentile family. You all have always made me feel like i was part of the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorry.
Love,
Theresa
My condolences to the family. My heart is saddened for your loss. I worked with Melissa for over 14 yrs. She was a true professional. She was dedicated to her craft and always a pleasure to work with. One of the best in the industry that came out of that east coast family of telecom professionals. I pray for peace for your family and she will be missed.
I was so lucky to meet Mel at work and we remained friends for years, I love her, Andrew & Sophia very much. I miss her everyday and her beautiful smile. We had many fun times together and those memories are cherished. She was apart of our family and we all miss her dearly. Sending love & prayers.
Although I didn’t know Melissa well, I have the pleasure of being on the coaching staff of the Watertown Rapids softball team and coaching Sophia. Melissa (and Joe) raised a beautiful, caring and intelligent daughter and she was always so supportive of Sophia. The wonderful young woman Sophia is and is becoming says so much about her mom as a person. My heart and prayers go out to the family.
Melissa was one of my cheerleaders that I had the pleasure of coaching at Coginchaug High School. She was fun, spirited, and just a great person. She always had the cheer team laughing. Melissa’s smile and fun personality made it a joy to be a coach of the cheer team. I will always remember her beautiful eyes. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. So sorry
My heartfelt condolences to your family for the loss of a wonderful woman! Melissa was a joy and it was a pleasure to work with her!
With my deepest condolence to Gerry, Rose and Melissa children’s. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the family. No matter what we do or say. please know that God has all of the answers and all things are possible and He is the only one that can give you comfort and peace. Lead on his understanding and know that you are not alone. May God Blessing be with you always
with my deepest condolence to Gerry, Rose and Melissa children’s and the rest of the family. I’m so sorry to hear about the lost of your love one. Know that God is always with you until the end. He will give you peace and comfort to keep you go on without her. Be Blessed and may God uphold you in this difficult time. if you ask he will give you strength and power.
Rosa & Gerry, and family, so sorry for your loss… beautiful person who was devoted to her family! Always enjoyed her company and her laughter! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Adrienne,
Just know there are those praying for you at this most difficult time. It’s hard to believe, god bless
To Andrew, Sophia, and family,
My deepest condolences to you all. Andrew and Sophia you both are your moms pride and joy. She is so proud of you both and loves you very much.
I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa in California for training when we first starting working and I knew from that day we would be great colleagues and friends. To share the same values in life and have two wonderful kids the same age we were like longtime friends. I loved it when I would call her and she knew exactly what to say to me to brighten my day. She was an amazing friend who was always willing to help or just listen. We started our call with “girl” and ended it with “amen sister”. I’m glad to have met your mom and want you to know that she will always be remembered, loved, prayed for, and never forgotten. All of you hold a place in my heart. A candle has been lit in her honor by some our colleagues and I along with love and prayers for all of you.
My husband and I met Melissa years ago at work, funny she ended up years later working with my twin sister and they became great friends! We would see her at get-togethers, she always had a smile on her face esp when talking about Andrew and Sophia- she was a proud Navy Mom and very supportive of Sophia’s activities. We are so deeply sorry and send love and prayers to the whole family.
Sophia, Joseph, and my whole family up north,
Thinking of you today and every day ❤️ Sending love, peace, and hugs from Florida.
Dear Rose and Gerry,
we are so sorry to hear this awful news. I remember when the girls were little going to Brewster. May her soul rest in peace . sorry we didn’t make the mass,but just saw it in the paper today .
To Andrew, Sophia, and Family,
I had the pleasure to work with Melissa for the last 2 1/2 yrs and I am so blessed to have known her. She beamed when she talked of Andrew & Sophia; you both were her pride and joy. She was the proudest of moms.
I will forever hear her laugh and the “amen Sister!” when we would chat about work stuff. She had the rawest and most loving personality. She was funny and brought a brightness to our interactions that filled my tank.
Melissa – thank you. thank you so much for always sharing your true self and being such an amazing co-worker and friend. Fly high my friend, you are dearly missed.
I will hold you all in my hearts and keep you in my prayers. May you always find some comfort on the loving, fun memories.
Love Always,
Courtney
I am so very sorry for your loss. Melissa was a wonderful person and I was blessed to know her. Rest in Peace Mel!
Andrew, Sophia, and family,
My deepest condolences for your loss. Melissa was a beautiful and genuine person. I am so happy to have called her my friend and shared in her laughter and joy of life. Keeping you all in my prayers.
We are sending our condolences to the Gentile family. Melissa will be missed. God bless and rest in peace.⚘⚘
We are sending our condolences to the Gentile family. Melissa will be missed. God bless and rest in peace.⚘⚘
I am so incredibly sorry to hear of Melissa’s passing. I met Melissa playing softball in 4th grade. Korn, Strong, Coginchaug. So many wonderful childhood memories of her. Sending love and deepest condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Gentile, Adrienne and Melissa’s children.
So sorry to hear of the loss of Melissa. 💔 she was such a great person. Glad to have been able to reminisce with her again. Highs school years and now that we’re older. Awesome to reconnect.
I am so sorry for your loss, Melissa was a great friend and will always be in our hearts. We are happy to have had her in our lives. Sending condolences to the whole family.
Jimmy & jackie
Andrew, Sophia, and Family, I’m sending thoughts and prayers for the loss of Melissa. I met Melissa when we both worked at DSL.net in New Haven, and again at Megapath/Fusion in 2018. She walked into the room and her smile lit up the whole room. Her infectious smile, her caring for her kids, and love of life is how I will remember her. She will forever be in my thoughts, Heaven gained an absolute angel.
My condolences to Melissa’s children, parents, family, friends and everyone heartbroken by her sudden passing. I went to school in Durham with her. She had an infectious smile and would brighten everyone’s day.
I previously worked with Melissa at DSL,net (and at Fusion Connect). What I remember the most is that Melissa was always willing to help, fun loving, and kind.
To the family:
My condolences to you. In the love that surrounds you may you find strength. In the memories you cherish, may you find peace.
I worked with Melissa at DSL.net, and Fusion. What I remember most is that she was always happy, fun loving, and willing to help.
To the Family: My deepest sympathy for your loss. My wish for you is that – With the love that surround you may you find strength. With the memories you cherish – may you find peace.
I just found out about Melissa sorry for your loss with the gentile family Melissa will be missed
Your face just popped up on my FB page Mel …. Thinking about you and you’re kind soul ! Your caring ways will always be your hallmark , and love like that lives forever and it transcends this life and time
God Bless you my sweet girl