Theresa DePaola DeAngelo, 82, of Branford, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 12th, 2023, at Yale-St. Raphael Hospital. Theresa was born in New Haven on October 30,1940, and was the daughter of the late Peter and Carmel Longobardi DePaola. She graduated from New York Foundling Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Theresa co-owned the former DeAngelo’s Pastry Shop of Meriden. In 1979, she opened DeAngelo and Daughters Italian Pastry Shop of North Haven. Theresa was the founder of Beginnings Professional Dating Service. After selling her dating service she worked for Proctor & Gamble and Acosta until her retirement at age 80. Theresa had the most vibrant personality and touched the lives of everyone she knew with her generosity and kindness. She enjoyed watching Fox News, college football, and cowboy movies. Her favorite day of the year was Christmas Eve. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren lovingly called her Feef. Feef brought the magic of Christmas year after year. Her greatest joy in life was her three girls, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Loving mother and best friend to her devoted daughters, Donnamarie Pantaleo (Michael), Deborah Servadio and Dina Van Buiten (Carl). Beloved grandmother to Rachael Paprocki (Adam), Jason Pantaleo (Melissa), Nicholas, Michael and Daniel Servadio, Carl Van Buiten, Jr. (Sabina) and Sarah Van Miran (Gabriela). Devoted great-grandmother of Lily, Luca, Skyler, Stevie, Nathan, and Aaron. Loving sister of Anna Quinn, Joseph DePaola (Nancy), Carmel DePaola Durant and the late Peter, Anthony,and Vincent DePaola. Sister-in-law to Florine and Liz DePaola. We will miss her deeply and forever remember her for her unconditional love and heart of gold.
The visiting hours will be Wednesday morning, Oct. 18th from 9:00 to 11:00 at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Anthony’s Church, New Haven at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.
My Auntie Theresa was outspoken, loving, and extremely giving. At age 16, she gave me a gift that would change my life forever. It was the gift of independence. It is a gift I hold to this day. I am forever grateful to her. Love you, Auntie There.
Auntie Tree,
Your love for the entire family was incredibly special. I will always remember your the mozzarella garlic bread you made on FOOTBALL Sundays when we were kids… And of course your Christmas Eve’s filled with joy, endless food, the best presents and of course Santa. I love you, miss you and will remember you with the greatest fondness. Niece Michelle DePaola
Auntie Theresa, what a presence you were. You were always the loudest person in the room, and if that made you love her or drove you crazy- you knew Auntie Theresa was there. You were stubborn, and loud, and tough & strong. So strong. And while we nearly disagreed on everything -you always wanted to hear what I had to say , thank you. I always admired your strength, your passion and your determination whether it was cheering on the Yankees or debating at the holiday table. And I know she’s up there giving God an earful. You were also generous, and loving and proud. You were so proud of all of your daughters and grandkids and nieces and nephews, thank you. I remember as a kid you had a waterbed- you always what what was flashy and new. You always wanted to see the future and I know that you will see the future through all of us and we will carry-on with the strength and passion of which we will remember you by.