Camarco, Gloria E.Cretella

Gloria E. Camarco, 92, beloved wife, mother, gramma, and gam gam, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15th in her daughter's home after suffering the cruelty of Alzheimer's disease. We knew she was now reunited with her loving husband, Albert "Chic" Camarco, when a huge smile appeared upon her face. They had been apart since 1978 when he was called to be with God at the young age of 49.

Gloria was born and raised in Hartford on September 9,1930. She graduated from Buckeley High School, Class of 48. Her classmates called her "Glo". It was written in her yearbook, "Attractive and good natured...Sociable to a heart...a warming degree...a lively student and grand classmate...blushes attractively." Her yearbook quote: "A wonderful thing it is to keep a sunny mood." Gloria was the daughter of Anthony and Rachel Cretella, who started Cretella's Bakery on Front street before moving it to Maple Avenue in the south end of Hartford. They were specifically known for their delicious Italian breads. Mom worked in the family bakery until they closed their doors in the early 80's. Cretella's was a gathering place for so many people each and everyday. When the luncheonette opened at 5:30 A.M for breakfast, people were waiting at the front door to get in. Patrons would come for coffee and breakfast and socialize for hours. Gloria loved baking and cooking and was an expert at it all. She made the best pizzelles and enjoyed making them for family and friends. No one could make a homemade manicotti better than mom. We will miss her Easter Breads and beautifully decorated cakes she made for every occasion. Her delicious Escarole Soup recipe will never be lost.

Gloria could never sit still and was always on the go. In her younger days, she loved family gatherings, dancing, swimming, waterskiing, gardening, traveling and bowling. She could not go a day without doing the crossword puzzle in the Hartford Courant. Gloria cared about staying in shape and exercised everyday by walking and riding a bike. Even in her 90's she was peddling a floor bike in her home. She continued to play Rummikub and Hand & Foot at both the Old Saybrook and Westbrook senior centers after moving back to Connecticut at the age of 85. When she was not playing her games at the senior centers, she was playing with her family at home.

After leaving Hartford, Gloria lived in Cornfield Point, Old Saybrook, turning the family cottage into a year round home. She then moved to Delray Beach Florida, spending the winters in her condo and the summers and holidays in Connecticut. She moved to Westbrook in 1985.

Gloria was a devout Catholic and never missed a Sunday mass, continuing to watch mass every Sunday with Father Paul online.

Gloria is survived by her son, Anthony "Tony" Camarco of Delray Beach, Florida and his children, Jacqueline Stratoudakis, her husband Doug and Matthew Camarco. She is also survived by her daughter, Carolyn D'Onofrio and son-in-law Artie of Haddam, with whom she made her home for the past year. She leaves behind their children Artie (RT) and his wife Katie (KT), Paul and his wife Danielle, Nicole and her husband Amin Jamali and her precious great grandchildren, who made her laugh and smile and were always listening for the alarms in the house to tell us when Gam Gam was on the move! She also leaves her devoted daughter Marilyn Camarco of Rocky Hill, who accompanied her on many vacations. She is survived by her youngest sister Theresa (Terry) Parla of Manchester. She was predeceased by her brothers, Dominic and Anthony Cretella and her sisters Connie Colangelo, Lena Bloznalis and Mary Camarco. She leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Her family would like to thank the Middlesex Health Hospice Program for their loving care during her last week of life, Diane, Christina, Mason, Mari, Brian, Ruth and Mary Lynn. We would also like to thank the private duty angels, who were so caring, comforting, loving and so knowledgeable of the needs of all of us during this most difficult time. Marybeth, Deb, Diane, Lubica, we are so grateful you were with us in her final days. Thank You to the wonderful staff at Chestelm Adult Day Services for their kindness and love, Victoria, Adrian and Sabrina.

Burial will be private in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to Gloria's favorite Charity St, Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family and to share fond memories, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com

Please sign guestbook at courant.com/obituaries