Jean (Raley) Massimino obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Jean (Raley) Massimino, 99 of East Haven passed away peacefully at CT Hospice on May 2, 2026. She was born July 8, 1926 in Stanley, Kentucky to Bernard and Ethel (Gates) Raley. Jean is survived by her six loving and devoted children; Gail Dainiak (Nicholas Dainiak M.D.) of Cheshire, Diane Massimino (Joseph Spezzano, deceased) of East Haven, Tom Massimino (Sandy) of South Hampton, MA, Joan Gibbons (Kevin) of Cheshire, Butch Massimino (Joanne) of Oakdale, CT and Keith Massimino (Angela) of Cheshire along with twelve grandchildren she adored; Kelly Marie Dainiak D.M.D (Sein Moe D.D.S.), Christopher Nicholas Dainiak M.D. (Heather), Erik Joseph Dainiak (Sarah G. Dainiak M.D.), Jeffrey Massimino, Ryan Massimino, Kyle James Gibbons (Kara), Kristin Mae Gibbons, Keith Massimino Jr. (Eva), Joseph Massimino (Stephanie), Gina Bernaitis (Jeff), Kim Massimino (Nick Heise) and Michael Massimino. Jean is also survived by her fifteen great grandchildren; Kamryn Moe (Jonathon Arnold), Sydney Moe, Connor Dainiak, Colby Dainiak, William Dainiak, Grayson Gibbons, Noah Gibbons, Payton Rosebrock, Lucas Massimino, Alex Massimino, Jolene Massimino, Isabella Bernaitis, Nathan Heise, Michael Marucci, and Gabriel D’Angelo and many nieces and nephews; Dennis Damato (Robin), Gary Damato (Linda), Paul Raley (Loretta), Tony Raley (Lisa), Kim Riney (Dan), Tom Williams (Candy) and Andy Batcher (Marilyn) of Kentucky.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ralph Massimino (2003), great grandson, Nicholas Dainiak, nephews; J.W. Raley and Randy Raley and her siblings; Marie Batcher, Anna Jane Raley, George Raley, J.W. Raley, Eunice Williams and Kenneth Raley.

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Jean loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids always bragging about how many of each generation she had. She loved going to the casino, if her daughter Diane or anyone of her kids asked her if she wanted to go, in her words she would say, “I already have one foot out the door.” She enjoyed playing pinchole with her daughter Joan and her niece, Robin.

She was deeply religious and in her younger years. She knew all the religious holidays and never hesitated to ask her kids if they knew what day it was and if they went to church. She was an avid Boston Red Sox fan, always calling her son-in-law Kevin to see what channel and time of games.

Family will receive from on Friday May 8, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday May 9, at 10:15 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of Our Lady of Pompeii, 355 Foxon Road (Route 80), East Haven with Committal/Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to any of these charities that have all personally touched Jean: Our Promise to Nicholas, PO Box 10106, Bedford NH 03110 or Make-A-Wish Foundation of CT, 56 Commerce Dr. Trumbull CT 06611.