Theresa (Trease) Franco Rapuano, 97, of North Haven, CT passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 30th, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Wayland, MA with her family by her side. She was the beloved wife for nearly 73 years of the late Nicholas C. Rapuano. Teresa was born in New Haven, CT on April 12, 1923 and was the daughter of the late John (Giovanni) Franco and Nellie (Annunziata Scalesse) Franco. She was the mother to two loving daughters, Judith Wall (Robert) of Wayland, MA and Janet Rapuano (Jeremy Hammond) of Fairfield, PA. Loving grandmother to Jennifer (Sean) Concannon of Hudson, MA, Nicole Hammond of Dallas, TX, Jeremy Hammond of Downingtown, PA, and Dorrie Hammond, senior at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and cherished great-grandmother to Brynn, Reese and Nicholas Concannon. Sister of Nancy Porto and sister-in-law of Faye Franco, both of Hamden, CT, and predeceased by brothers Jerry, Nicholas and John Franco and sister Phyllis Mendygral and in-laws John and Theresa Tuccio. Many loving nieces, nephews, and life-long friends also survive her.
She was a graduate of the former Commercial High School of New Haven, and having grown up in the hill section Teresa had wonderful stories to tell throughout her entire life. In addition to being a wonderful storyteller, Teresa had a love of song and dance. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her extended family and close friends. Teresa would lend a helping hand whenever someone was in need. She was a wonderful homemaker and took great pride in her cooking. In her younger years, she loved golfing, bowling, gardening and was a member of the North Haven Garden Club. She was also very proud of her husband’s business Triangle Tool Co. for which she went on many road trips and made many deliveries. Teresa and her late husband enjoyed over 50 years of membership at the Farms Country Club in Wallingford, CT where she was a weekly bridge player. With their very close friends, they enjoyed playing pinochle on Friday nights, and during retirement they were very happy to travel with family and friends, especially to explore their Italian heritage.
Family and friends are invited to go directly to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity Parish at St. Barnabas Church, 44 Washington Avenue, North Haven on Friday Feb 5th to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 12noon, and are also invited to attend the committal service immediately following in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. (Masks and social distancing strictly required for all services). A celebration of her life will take place at a future date. The family would like to thank Metrowest Homecare and Hospice, 200 Nickerson Road, Suite 100, Marlborough, MA 01752 for the great care and comfort provided. In addition, we would like to thank Dr. Mark Kasper of East Haven, CT and Dr. Christopher Loscalzo of YNHH, New Haven, CT for a lifetime of good healthcare. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Gaylord Hospital, 50 Gaylord Farm Road, Wallingford, CT 06492, Metrowest Homecare and Hospice or a charity of your choice.
Dear Janet & Family,
Our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. We have wonderful memories of spending time with your mom in North Haven.
We are sorry we will not be able to attend the Mass and look forward to attending the celebration of her life in the future.
All our love,
Kathy Murphy & Phil Rosenthal
Dear Janet, Judy, Jerry, Bob, Jen, Sean, Byrnn, Reese, Nicholas,
We are extending our heartfelt sympathy at this extremely difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. The fond memories will last a lifetime. It is with a heavy heart that we say RIP Aunt Teresa- RIP Dear Sister.
With deepest condolences,
Nancy, John, Sister Nancy, Jason, Lisa, Mark, Fernanda
Dear Janet, Judy & Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a very friendly person.
Love,
Tom & Mary Sue FitzSimons
Dear Janet, Judy and Family.
If ever “a life well lived” it was certainly your mom’s. Upon hearing of her passing, the Dacunto siblings were texting each other our childhood memories from the Dacunto/Rapuano friendship. There are so many that we will hold fondly in our hearts forever, including, martinis, olives, cheese & crackers, peppperoni, and yes, those sardines! And a memorable trip to Hitchcock furniture! We choose to believe they are all together again, in a better place, and at peace. We are so sorry for your loss, She brought cheer everywhere she went, and we can’t imagine how much you and countless others will miss her. With love and sympathy from our family to yours — Jim, Mark, Dyan, and Caryl
My sincere condolences to Teresa’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. While Theresa’s loss to the Farms is inestimable, it is nothing in comparison to her family’s loss. God bless you as you look forward to seeing Theresa again in the home God has now made for her.
Sincerely,
Fred Dorsey
So sorry to read about your mom’s passing. Such a nice woman. What a great couple they were. Now they are together, again. Such nice neighbors!
Your Mom was just a wonderful women. Bill and I loved her so much. She will always be in our hearts.
Dear Judy, Janet and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mom.
She and your father were such wonderful neighbors.
I know she will leave a huge void in your lives.
Rest in peace dear Theresa.
Dear Janet and Judy,
We send our love and sympathy to you and your families on the passing of your mom. We have many fond memories seeing her at family gatherings hosted by John and Nan over the years. May your memories bring you comfort and peace.