O'brien, Carmelina S (Settipane)
Carmelina Settipane O'brien, 96, of Middletown, beloved wife of 74 years to the late John E. O'brien, passed away
on Wednesday, September 14th. She was born in Middletown, CT, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Secuso) Settipane. Carmelina valued education echoing her father who always said learning is a key to success. She encouraged her five children to pursue their university degrees. Carmelina, a voracious reader with many hobbies, took many Middletown Adult Education classes: painting, pottery, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and cooking.
Her upbeat personality, perseverance, and positive work ethnic made others share in her joy when she proudly reached her own goal later in life of becoming a librarian, after earning her Bachelor's and Master's degree in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University. She created many young avid readers both in Middletown and Cheshire public schools. Her zest for life included: animated readings of stories to the young—especially to her grandchildren, polka dancing with her husband, gardening, canning tomatoes, and traveling. She loved family gatherings—especially ones at the beach. Carmelina was a life-long member of St. Sebastian's Church and was actively involved for years in meeting the needs of the community. For example, she volunteered on the St. Sebastian Funeral Reception Committee, at the library at St. Sebastian's School, and at Macdonough School library when her children were young. Over the years, she worked full time at four Middletown school libraries. Prior to her marriage, she volunteered in the WWII efforts. She was a trained official spotter of enemy airplanes. Her children remember her as always a woman who tried. Her strong religious faith was instilled in all of her children and grandchildren.
Carmelina is survived by her loving children: John J. O'brien and his wife Susan, Kathleen Hubbard and son-in-law Robert, Michael O'brien and fiancée Kim, Mary Reinert and son-in-law Paul, and Laurie Angeli and son-in-law Edward. Her eleven grandchildren: Jennifer, David, Matthew, Michael, Peter, Kimberly,
Stephen, Michelle, Cynthia, Kelly, and Kristen. Her great grandchildren: Anne, Grace, James, John, Oliver, Gideon, Gavin, Cameron, Finley, and Riley. Alvera Marino survives her sister. She was predeceased by her two brothers Guy and Joseph Settipane and two sisters Maryjane Marquis and Jeanette Laveglia. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Saint Sebastian's Church, Middletown, CT with burial at Saint Sebastian's Cemetery. Friends may call at D'angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown on Tuesday, September 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in her name to the St. Sebastian Restoration Fund.