Obituary: Iris J. Papale, 86; Former Wallingford Town Councilor

WALLINGFORD, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Iris Joyce Papale, 86, of Wallingford, was born in Brooklyn, NY to Albert and Anna Freeman moving to Wallingford at the age of 2. Iris graduated from Lyman Hall High School in 1953 and was active in organizing yearly class reunions.

Iris was a devoted mother and is survived by sons and daughter-in laws, David and Karen Papale of Wallingford, Richard and Deborah Papale of Wallingford and daughter and son-in law, Lynda and Sean Markel of Durham. Grandchildren, Allyson Papale, David Papale, Sarah Papale, Alexandra Papale, Shawna Markel Tustin (Michael), Rachael Markel Mandeville (Stephen, Jr.), Aaron Markel, Paige Markel Miglietta (Michael). Great grandchildren, Shaela Markel, Zachary and Adeline Tustin and Hudson Mandeville, sisters-in-law Barbara, Mary and Philomena Papale, Michael Moriarity, Jr. and his family of California and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her longtime partner, Michael Moriarity; the father of her children, Mario Papale; grandson, Richard Papale Jr.; brothers in-law and sisters in-law; Sam (Madeline), Ralph, Henry (Joan), Adolph (Vera), Michael (Ceil), John (Rose), Frederik and Anthony Papale; sisters-in-law, Mary Papale Clemente (Domenic) and Theresa Papale Collins (Steve).

Iris had many, many great accomplishments in her life. She was co-owner of Papale’s Greenhouses for many years. She was elected as the first woman to the Wallingford Town Council, was the Council Chairperson and served for 32 years. Iris was on many committees within the Town of Wallingford most notably Wallingford Town Center and the Wallingford Board of Education. She was a volunteer at the Wallingford Senior Center which she enjoyed very much. Iris was very active in the local chapter of Hadassah and proudly acted as Hadassah’s Connecticut Tourism Chairman for many years.

Iris was a very out-going, kind, fun-loving person. She loved to dance, listen to Frank Sinatra and go to any social event possible.

In following Iris’s wishes, her funeral services will be private. The family of Iris would like to thank all staff that cared for her at the Hospital of Central Connecticut of New Britain.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in her memory can be made to the Diabetes Foundation (www.diabetes.org), St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) and Hadassah (www.hadassah.org).

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.