Obituary: Concetta “Connie” Anastasio Criscuolo 90, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Porto Funeral Home:

Concetta “Connie” Anastasio Criscuolo 90, of East Haven, beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Criscuolo, passed away on December 11, 2021 in Yale New Haven Hospital. Loving mother of Joann Criscuolo and Rosemarie (Mark Biondi) Criscuolo all of East Haven. Concetta is survived by her grandson, Ronald Criscuolo. Sister of the late Andrew Anastasio. Concetta was born in New Haven on October 31, 1931 daughter of the late Albert and Rose Diglio Anastasio. She is also survived by wonderful sisters-in-law, numerous loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and recently two beautiful great-great-nieces, along with many friends who became cherished chosen family.

A family woman before all else, Connie was an adoring wife and strong partner to her husband, Joe. She made the home and governed it well. Her daughters and grandson were her world; she gave them unwavering and constant support and love. Connie became a mother or “mimi” to countless friends who became family. Connie was never happier than when everyone was gathered around the table enjoying her incredible cooking; she was a true artist in the kitchen and cooked with passion. Family gathered for Sunday dinners, friends came all the time for visits with coffee and scrumptious baked goods. The home she built was as warm and full as the hearts she touched (and stomachs she fed).

St. Clare Church was truly another home for Connie. Everyone knew that she was in the last pew, on the right side, next to the aisle. That’s where she would sit and greet her parishioner family. Many people knew their Mass did not begin until they said hello to Connie. After Mass, she would dash over to the church hall to help prepare coffee and. She was a longstanding and active member of the Ladies Guild and volunteered often. On other weekends, she would take her grandson to the Twin Pines Diner where she was also a fixture and, of course, adored.

Connie was a class act too. She always carried herself with dignity. Connie rarely had to argue to make a point because she could say more with a roll of the eyes than most people can with a hundred words. She was funny without being inappropriate, choosing wry wit at every asking. Connie’s enormous laugh matched her love of comedy. A light to all those around her, Connie lived in vibrant colors, just the way she dressed. Her bright blues, pinks and florals matched her love for gathering outside by the pool in the summer heat or for endless excited chats at her favorite restaurants. For more formal occasions, the color pallet deepened; serious business required serious outfits. Connie would make the most royal blue or purple look even more regal.

Connie had a reverence for the past allowing her loved ones to live on through her actions and words. When she talked about her husband, Joe, it often seemed as if he was just in the other room. That’s because, of course, he was- he was always there with her, even after he went home to God. By bringing the past alive, she taught her family those lessons anew, whether by imparting wisdom from Joe or by giving his hat as a Christmas present to their grandson.

The family extends a special thank you to the medical professionals at Yale New Haven Hospital for the incredible care and compassion; the doctors and nurses grew to quickly adore Connie as she did them.

Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 350 Church St. Lobby Level, Hartford, CT. 06103.