Obituary: Carmelina DeRienzo (Porto Funeral Homes)

Carmelina Rega DeRienzo, 89, of North Branford, beloved wife of 30 years to the late Pasquale C. DeRienzo, passed away on February 18, 2026 surrounded by her family at Complete Care at Meriden. Loving mother of Catherine Capone of Guilford, Josephine (Roy) Sandagata of North Branford, Patricia (Daniel Eischen) Perrelli of Mystic, Joseph (Nancy) DeRienzo of North Haven and Tina (Paul) Vanacore of Northford. Carmelina is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Carmelina was born in Caiazzo, Province of Caserta, Italy on October 20, 1936 daughter of the late Gennaro and Concetta Giannelli Rega. Prior to her retirement, Carmelina was employed as a recreation aide at Apple Rehab Laurel Woods, where she dedicated herself to enriching the lives of those in her care. What brought her the most happiness and joy was to be surrounded by her family. She loved large family holiday gatherings, yearly family vacations, and weekly family dinners at Capone’s.

Her funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven WEDNESDAY morning, February 25, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in East Lawn Cemetery. Family and friends may call on TUESDAY from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sign Carmelina's guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.