Obituary: Mary Jo Iapaluccio, 91, Of Danbury

Information and Photo Courtesy Cornell Memorial Home

DANBURY, CT — Mary Jo Iapaluccio, also known as “Maria Giuseppa” (in Italian) passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at Regional Hospice of Danbury on Jan. 11, 2024. She was 91 years old.

She was born on April 1, 1932 in Decolatura Province of Catanzaro, (Calabria) Italy to Arcangela (Talarico) and Peppino Fiore. Growing up in Italy, Mary Jo was one of six children. Here she learned the traditions that would be instilled in her for the rest of her life such as sewing, knitting, embroidery, cooking, and taking care of family. She was a child of God, and attended church every Sunday.

She met her husband and love of her life, Carmine Iapaluccio Sr. in March 1951. Carmine and his mother traveled from the United States to Italy. Their mothers knew each other since they were from the same town. After being in Italy for a month and meeting each other, Carmine and Mary Jo tied the knot on April 26, 1951. Carmine was 26 years old, and Maria was 19. Carmine and his mother returned home, and seven months later sent for Mary Jo to come to America. This was just the very beginning of a beautiful future they would build together.

Between 1951 and 1952, Carmine built a stone house for him and his new bride to live in. In 1953, their first child, Jenny, was welcomed into the world. A few years later in 1955 Robert was born. Lastly, Carmine Jr. was delivered in 1958.

Her pride and joy were raising her children. When they were school aged, she started to work. She worked at Barden’s for two years, and Risdon’s for twelve years, making cosmetic boxes. Here is where she learned to speak more English. It was hard for her to learn because everyone she personally knew was Italian, and spoke Italian.

As the years went on, their love and family continued to grow. Mary Jo and Carmine loved splitting their time between the two residences they shared; Melbourne, Florida and Danbury, Connecticut.
After sharing 46 beautiful years of marriage, Carmine passed away in 1997. Mary Jo continued to live for her family. She made sure she was present at every graduation, birthday, dance recital, and holiday. Her love and devotion to family was rooted deep.

Mary Jo is survived by three children: Jenny Hilario, Robert Iapaluccio and his wife, Barbara, and Carmine Iapaluccio and his wife, Susan. She also leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Arthur Hilario, Bradley Hilario, Shelby Newkirk and her husband, Ronald, Ben Iapaluccio and his fiancée, Sara, Nicholas Iapaluccio and his wife, Brittany, Robert Iapaluccio, Chris Iapaluccio and his wife, Nicole, John Pratt and his wife, Jennifer, Jessica March, Carmine Iapaluccio III and his wife, Amanda, Kathryn Iapaluccio-Guzman and her husband, Charlie. Mary Jo is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her sister, Connie Scalzo, and her siblings Olga Butera, Teresa Potenziani, and Phil Fiore and his wife, Mattea, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother, Nat Fiore; her son-in-law, Arthur Hilario; and brothers-in-law, Frank Scalzo, Antonio Butera, and Frank Potenziani

Mary Jo loved being surrounded by family and friends. Her home always had an open door. She enjoyed telling stories about the past, many where she would get everyone around her laughing. She loved to cook, watch the Hallmark Channel, and the infamous General Hospital.

Mary Jo will be remembered for her loving and caring personality. Her laugh was contagious, and she truly wanted what was best for everyone around her. She was also extremely proud of her Italian heritage. When she would tell a story, she would conclude it with one of these two sayings, “what are you gonna do?” or “that’s-a life!”

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday January 17th at 10:30 am at St. Gregory the Great Church located at 85 Great Plain Road in Danbury. Interment in St. Peter Cemetery will follow. There are no calling hours.

The family would like to thank Regional Hospice, and all the very special people who work there for everything they have done to help during this time.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Regional Hospice.