GULIUZZA, THEO

Theophilus Paul Guliuzza, Sr., fondly known as Rocky, age 86, of Trumbull, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Born in Derby on April 26, 1934, he was a son of the late Charles and Angela Guliuzza. Rocky was a lifelong resident of Connecticut and the owner of Charlie’s Service Station in Seymour where he worked most of his adult life. He enjoyed his work and had a great appreciation for his loyal customers, many of whom became great friends. He was also the organist at Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia for many years. Rocky had a passion for cars and motorcycles and enjoyed just taking a simple drive. Survivors include his loving daughter Linda and her husband Robert Von Stein of Trumbull, his son, Theophilus Guliuzza, Jr. of New Haven, cherished grandchildren Robert, Michael and Scott Von Stein and Andrea Bauchman, his brother, Joseph Guliuzza and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Rocky was predeceased by his brother, Charles Guliuzza, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Rocky’s life will take place on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, 10 Father Salemi Dr., Ansonia. Face masks are required and social distancing will be expected. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made in Rocky’s memory to the Hydrocephalus Association, Development Office, 4340 East West Highway, #905, Bethesda, MD 20814-4447, www. hydroassoc.org. Arrangements entrusted to Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, Trumbull. To leave an online condolence, visit www.abriola.com.

Mary Valenza Iaccarino, 92, passed away peacefully at home in North Haven on February 15, 2021. Mary was born to the late Thomas Valenza and Elvira (Esposito) Valenza on October 20, 1928, in New Haven. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law David and Christine (Tina) Iaccarino, her daughter-in-law Joan W. Iaccarino, and her son-in-law Salvatore Fazzino. She is also survived by her sister, and life-long friend, Mimi V. Esposito. Mary has been affectionately called “Grammy” by her grandchildren: Carley (Bret) Johnson, Kristin (David) Magnano, Matthew (Cristina) Iaccarino, Marta (Craig) Kenney, and Amy Fazzino (her significant other Al Marrero). She has been fortunate and proud to have eight great-grandchildren: Grady, Elijah, and Noah Johnson; Libby, Liana, and Cameron Magnano; and David and Wade Kenney. She was excited for the birth of her 9th great-grandchild Iaccarino expected later this year. Mary also leaves behind many nieces and nephews from the Esposito, Iaccarino, Guarnieri, and Rapetski families, along with the Musco family, all with whom she shared a special bond. Mary survived the loss, with a permanent broken heart, of her son Frank Iaccarino, Jr., and her daughter Lisa Fazzino. She was also predeceased by her long-time companion Philip Micalizzi, and previously her former husband Frank Iaccarino, Sr.

Mary graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1946, attended Larson Junior College to study art, and went on to the McDowell School of Design in NYC to study dressmaking and tailoring. Mary had a keen sense for fashion and fine jewelry, and would always dress exquisitely, even if just out for the day.

Mary, a shopper at heart, had extensive experience in the retail business, working at Sears Roebuck, and then spent 10 years as co-owner of Little

Things in North Haven (a children’s clothing and gift store). She also worked in the banking industry at various local banks and credit unions for many years prior to her retirement in 1991.

For many years, Mary enjoyed traveling throughout much of the United States, as well as to many countries, especially Italy and Sicily, with her companion Philip and her family members.

Mary loved all animals, and especially her cat companions over time, including Chipper, Sugar, Spice, and Midnight.

For over 40 years after graduating from high school, she socialized each month with her many friends at each other’s homes and local restaurants for their women’s social club gatherings for laughter, good food, and camaraderie.

Mary had a passion for cooking and hosting and made many delicious Italian and American dishes, with some family favorites including lasagna, meatballs, and chocolate cake. Each Christmas, she baked a wide assortment of delicious cookies by the dozens and was pleased to share them with everyone.

Mary was loving to her core and made sure everyone felt special on their birthday with cards, cakes, and celebrations. Holidays were important and to be shared with family and friends. She hand-crafted beautiful Christmas stockings for each of her children, grandchildren (and their spouses), and for nearly all of her great- grandchildren.

Throughout her 92 years, Mary instilled an everlasting understanding of the importance of family, tradition, hard work and compassion.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to her primary doctor, Dr. Mark Kasper, and to her capable caregivers, especially Aba Afful, for all their compassion, excellent care and patience. Special thanks to VNA Community Healthcare and Hospice of Guilford for providing wonderful support and comfort. The visiting hours will be Monday morning, Feb. 22nd from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. A service will be conducted in the funeral home at 11:00. Entombment will follow in the All Saints Mausoleum. (Masks and social distancing strictly required for all services.) For anyone so inclined, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3 Landmark Square, Suite 330, Stamford, CT 06901 or the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Ctr. #3, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. www.northhavenfuneral.com