Mildred Rheta Streeter Salamone Streeter Gherlone Stankiewicz started her life on December 30, 1925, the daughter of Marie (Denny) and Harlan Streeter, and the last child of 15 brothers and sisters, on a little farm in North Haven CT. Mildred’s worldly life ended on November 25, 2022 in Florida.
And what a life it was! Millie, as she was known by many, loved to travel and traveled to as many places as possible. She reminisced about having spent time in every state in the United States, and many countries around the world. Her most cherished travel memory was having “walked where Jesus walked” on her trip to Israel. Millie also traveled to Ireland and England to be able to visit places where her ancestors lived and worked. She marveled at how beautiful she found other places in Europe.
But we will not forget how hard a life Millie had. She worked like a man doing farm work. She told us about being with her father on a horse and wagon, collecting rags for sale during the Great Depression. She helped support her family when times were rough over the years. During WW2, Millie worked in a bomb factory to support the war effort. She went on to work at many different jobs as her family needed.
Millie was, for many years, into the politics of North Haven and the United States, having served as Registrar of Voters and chair of the RTC, served two terms on the Board of Ethics and served on a Presidential advisory board in Washington DC in 1978. She served as a delegate from North Haven at the Republican state convention from 1976 to 1996. Millie was honored as citizen of the year by the North Haven Jaycees and recognized in 1983 for her work with the March of Dimes. She worked with many other organizations over the years with civic pride. One of her most cherished memories was being appointed as an Honorary Deputy Sheriff of New Haven County. Millie held an elected position as a Constable until her death, and was also a Justice of the Peace, having conducted many marriage ceremonies. Millie officiated at the weddings of most of her children. She also held a position on the Board of the North Haven Fair Association. Millie held many positions with the Evangelical Baptist Church in North Haven, also.
Millie married Sammy Salamone early in life. She went on to marry Richard (Dick) Gherlone Sr. in 1947, and raised his two sons, Richard Gherlone Jr. (Jacqueline, deceased, and Helen) and Joseph Gherlone (Patricia) like they were her own. Millie gave birth to Linda Mele (deceased), Michael Gherlone (Shawn, deceased) , Susan Mele (Gerald, deceased), Janice Nuzzolillo (Joseph), and Terry DeVivo (Tony). She was so proud to be the grandmother (Gram, Gramma, Mimi) to Susan Beth Higgins (Robert), Richard P. Gherlone (Pam), Joseph A. Gherlone Jr. (Marie), Elizabeth R. Gherlone, Kathryn G. Priebe, Barbara “Bobbie” R. Davis (Russell, deceased), Anthony R. Mele (Teresa), Harlan W. Gherlone (Brooke), Jason M. Mele (Morgan), Lauren M. Richardson (Ted), Christine A. Clock (Nathan), Jared M. Nuzzolillo(Heather), Robert E. Britney Jr. (Jenna), 17 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren, with a third on the way. She also had many nieces and nephews.
After her husband Dick, who died in 1992, she met and married Julius Stankiewicz in 1998, who died in 2019. Millie and Jay enjoyed many years of trips around the country together which helped her accomplish her desire to visit all 50 states.
The visiting hours will be Sunday, Dec. 4th, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A Funeral service will be conducted in the North Haven Congregational Church, 28 Church Street, North Haven, Monday morning at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Center Cemetery, North Haven The family asks that any donations in lieu of flowers be made to Samaritan’s Purse, samaritanspurse.org, or Animal Haven at 89 Mill Rd North Haven CT 06473.
I’m so sorry to hear this! Millie was one of a kind!! She was a tough politician when she needed to be, sweet when needed, and smart as can be. She helped me during my political career, and I will always be thankful for that. She did so much for so many, and she will be remembered fondly. Rest In Peace!!
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone. She was a very special lady and I have a lot of great memories talking to her growing up. Keeping her in my prayers.
An amazing woman who touched the lives of many. Thinking of you all with love and prayers.
I am So Sorry to read of Millie’s passing. My Sympathy to the Gherlone Family and All who Loved her.
So sorry to learn of Millie’s passing. So many wonderful memories. Rest In Peace .
Millie, so hard to lose you. You were so much a part of old North Haven, you knew all the folks of our past and their places in our community history, I feel as if your passing takes part of that with you. I will miss talking with you. I love you. My deepest condolences to your family, and to all your North Haven friends who surely feel as I do in losing you. Pam Parrella and the Lambert Family.
My sincere condolences. Millie, always smart and always witty with a smile on her face.
R.I.P.
I was so sorry to hear of Mildred’s passing. Many warm memories of her and my Mom. She will always be remembered to be as such a wonderful lady. May she Rest In Peace
So sorry to hear about Millie, I grew up with her as a neighbor. Went to school with her children. She was quite a woman. Rest in peace. Ray and Delores Davis
Janice, my deepest sympathy to you and the rest of your family. Prayers for peace and comfort during your time of grief. Your mom was a rock in the community, now she is with the Rock. “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” NLT
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
To Joe and Pat et al, I just learned of Millie’s passing and am so sorry I missed the service. She and my dad had some special connection that always kept them smiling and chattering. A donation to animal haven is being made in her name. Yes she surely will be missed she was a special kind of person.