Obituary: Carolyn P. LaSalle, 73, Of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): Carolyn P. LaSalle, 73, of West Haven, passed away surrounded by her family on February 11, 2023, at Smilow Hospital following a courageous battle of pancreatic cancer. Born in New Haven on October 11, 1949, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Frances (Dobrowski) Pagliaro.

Survived by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 52 years, Wayne W. LaSalle Sr.; loving children Michelle Kelly and Wayne (Christy) LaSalle Jr.; grandchildren Daniel F. Kelly III, Matthew Kelly, Ethan Kelly, Rocco Kelly, Colby LaSalle, and Gage LaSalle; sisters Nikki Quist and Valerie Pagliaro; niece Holly Brown Lewis; nephews Russel H. Brown III, Michael Brown, as well as their families. In addition to her parents, Carolyn is preceded in death by son-in-law Daniel F. Kelly Jr.

Carolyn was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in New Haven, then attended Southern CT State University whereby she became a bookkeeper for Merles’ Record Rack of New Haven. Her career later developed into that of becoming the Director of Fundraising for Lester Telemarketing of Branford.

Carolyn, also known as “The Director,” visited every ice-skating rink within the Northeast, proudly watching her son play hockey and her daughter competitively figure skate. Her steadfast dedication to family then carried over to the next generation, watching her grandsons excel and play for Notre Dame West Haven and Notre Dame Fairfield and visiting lacrosse fields from Yale to Maryland.

Ever the Director, she would lead and navigate motorcycle rides on the back of her husband's Harley, finding her way from Nova Scotia to the infamous Tail of the Dragon in Deals Gap, Tennessee.

Carolyn was an avid reader and happily spent each summer on the beach at her home in West Haven. Her greatest passion was that of spending time with her family and friends.

Whether a kind word, thought, or gesture, Carolyn will remain an angel within the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her unending ways of giving, sharing, and love are but just a few of the many ways all will remember their Meme.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, February 15th, from 4 to 7 o’clock. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, 11 o’clock, in Holy Infant Church of Orange. Attendees are kindly asked to meet directly at church, interment will remain private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carolyn’s honor to Project Purple by visiting www.projectpurple.org and using the reference #MEMESTRONG.

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