Carmella Bletcher
Quaker Hill — Carmella (Millie) D. Bletcher, 91, of Quaker Hill, passed away on Saturday, May 20, surrounded by her family. She was born on May 20, 1926, in Hartford. She was the daughter of the late Vito and Maria D’Eufemia and stepmother, Nancy Spinnato. Carmella graduated from WMI in 1944 and then went on to New London Business College before taking her first position with the State of Connecticut. She resumed her career after having started a family and worked at Robinson Paper Box for more 30 years.
After retiring, she continued to work part time for Promoworks where she enjoyed interacting with the community.
On April 6, 1951, she married the late Donald Ray Bletcher, whom she was married to for 25 years. She is survived by their four daughters, Donna Napolitano and spouse, Phil Clark, Debra and Andrew Drakos, Susan and David Smithson, and Dawn and Joseph Wells; and her seven grandchildren, Danielle Ingram and husband, Anthony Ingram, Andrea Drakos, Keith Drakos, Nicholas Wells, Rachel Smithson, Christopher Drakos, and Taylor Wells. She is also survived by her sister, Rose Silvestri, and her many nieces and nephews. In addition, she is survived by her loving and caring companion of 34 years, Orlando Federico, of New London.
Carmella stayed active throughout her life. She loved dancing, bowling, gardening, cooking, and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. She treasured every opportunity to support her family by attending sporting events, concerts, dance recitals, graduations, birthdays, weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. She was also an active member of St. John’s Church in Uncasville for almost 60 years. She brought her love of flowers and creativity to the church where she decorated the altars for many of those years. Carmella always put others before herself, and never missed a chance to brighten someone’s day with a card, flowers, or a loving smile.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home in New London. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at St. John’s Church, Uncasville. Burial will follow in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Uncasville.