Raffaela Amendola DeFrancesco, 93, of Northford, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 25, 2018 with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph F. DeFrancesco. Raffaela was born in New Haven on August 12, 1925 and was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Maria Grazia Gambardella Amendola. She enjoyed working on her family’s farm and spending winters at her home in Delray Beach, Florida. She was a member of the St. Andrews Society of New Haven and a longtime parishioner of St. Monica Church. Raffaela was devoted to her family whom she loved unconditionally. Mother of Filomena “Phyllis” Keegan (Terrence) and Joseph F. DeFrancesco, Jr. (Linda). Grandmother of Pamela Priest (Robert), Terrence Keegan, Joseph F. DeFrancesco III (Ida), Michael DeFrancesco (Corine), Darren DeFrancesco (Suzanne) and Alexander DeFrancesco. Great-grandmother of Keegan and Robert Priest, William and Joseph DeFrancesco IV, Bella, Trent and Farah DeFrancesco. Sister of Andrew Amendola and the late Anthony Amendola and Ann Cecarelli. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at CT Hospice, Branford for their care and compassion.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue on Saturday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Ambrose Parish at St. Monica’s Church, 1331 Middletown Avenue, Northford at 10:00. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Parish at St. Monica’s Church, 1331 Middletown Ave., Northford, CT 06472.
Sympathy to all. Aunt Rae has found her peace.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your mother was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed. We are thankful for the short visit a few weeks ago. My mother so enjoyed spending time and reminiscing with Rae. Our prayers and blessings are with you and your family.
Gini (DeBow) Smith-May; Fran Debow
Dear Joe, Phyllis and Family, Words alone cannot begin to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mother, leaves behind many wonderful memories which you will recall over the next few days in the company of family and friends. She still walks by your side every day and every time you think of her, she will always be there in your heart. Just know she is at peace with your dad and family of angels, for Heaven is now her home. She will always be in our prayers
I LOVE U GRAM! You always had our back and were such a faithful servant to God and your family. I choke up writing this but know that you finally got your wish to be reunited with Grandpa. Love you forever.
To the DeFrancesco family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. What a blessing to have had her love for so long. Now She’s your Angel looking over you in Heaven. ❤
We are so sorry for your lost we are keeping your families in our prayers she will rest in peace now I know you will all miss her so love from the Fortiers
Our deepest condolences to all of your family. We are so grateful to have first met this amazing woman at Joe and Ida’s wedding. Peace to all.
To all in Grandma Rea’s family we send our love and prayers. It is always hard to see a special Grandma leave our daily lives. I know you all had your special relationships with Rea and you will find comfort in the joyful moments she gave you….and the funny stories you remember over the years. Remember the good times… that is where the healing is. My best was visiting Grandma Rae when I came from Minnesota to be with Joe, Ida and the boys.
Ida and I stopped in at Grandma Rae’s house as we always did. That day Grandma Rea was mostly in her favorite chair…. until I commented on her wedding picture on the wall. She was up in a flash and telling me the details. Then she asked if I would like to see her wedding dress! Well yes of course! Rea crawled up the stairs on her hands and knees and was DELIGHTED to open her special trunk and pull our her dress and some pictures. We chatted and looked, touched the buttons and she recounted how much she loved “that man”…. and how hard they had worked to get the farm going. It was a precious moment and there was a special sparkle in Grandma Rea’s eyes that day!!
Sending you all a special hug.
Phyllis and Joey,
Our most sincere condolences to you and your families.
I am sure she will be with your Dad.
God Bless
Johnny