Irene Veronia Bennett McNeil
Irene Veronica Bennett McNeil, having spent 95 years on this earth living a full and joyous life, was brought to heaven by the angels on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. Our hearts are broken but are happy for her to be at peace and with the Lord. She had been missing our dad / her husband, Francis R. McNeil, Sr. who passed away in May 2001, and missing her sisters and brothers, but today they all have been reunited. Irene was born on July 28,1926 and raised in Bridgeport CT the third youngest of 10 children to the late Joseph and Catherine (Murphy) Bennett. She was proud of her family and loved being “one of the Bennett kids”. In June 1964, she started her career at Pullman Comley Bradley & Reeves Law Offices as their switchboard operator / receptionist. Rene was the face of Pullman & Comely when you walked in the door. 50 ½ years later she retired at the age of 88. She made and cherished so many lifelong friends during this time. She is survived by her 5 children: Sharyn Diaz, Francis (Rody) McNeil Jr, Kevin (Danielle) McNeil, Doreen (Ken) Salvagno and Sally Ramponi, by her 7 grandchildren: Keith (Debra) Rafail, Betsy Rafail (Justin Sangani), Michael Rafail, Kate McNeil (Evan Beller), Daniel (Jasmine) Salvagno, Carly (Andrew) Price, and Serena Ramponi, and her 11 great grandchildren: Dominic Rafail, Joshua & Bryan Rafail, Giuliana & Mia DonAroma, Isaiah, Joseph, Benjamin & Alina Salvagno, Sage Price and Kylie Ramponi. She was honored and proud to be call “Aunt Rene” by so many loving nieces and nephews. Irene is predeceased by her brothers; Joseph, Michael, Charles, William, John and Connie Bennett, her sisters Catherine (Kal) Violante, Barbara Ciotti and her son-in-law Eli Diaz. She is survived by her sister Joan Gunther. Let’s hope heaven has a “quick cup of coffee” and a bit of delicious chocolate for Rene to enjoy. Family & Friends are invited to greet the family on Sunday, December 5th from 2:00 -6:00 pm in the Riverview Funeral Home, 390 River Rd., Shelton. MASKS are required. On Monday, December 6th friends may greet the family from 8:30 9:00 am at the funeral home. Her funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:15 AM for her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Augustine Church, 359 Washington Ave., Bridgeport. Burial will be private at later date. The family will plan a Celebration of Irene’s Life in the future. If you would like to make a donation in Irene’s honor, they can be made to Front Range Equine Rescue, PO Box 458, Ocala, FL 34478, Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka Kansas 66675 or a charity of your choice. Friends may leave condolences at www.riverviewfh. com.