Virginia Mary Pescatello
Fairview, Groton — Virginia Mary (Carmenati) Pescatello, “Ginny,” resident of Fairview, Groton, passed away peacefully June 1, 2023. Daughter of the late Joseph Carmenati and Helen (Trekocas) Carmenati, she was born in New London July 30, 1931.
She attended Chapman Technical High School in New London, where she was well known for her outstanding artwork and high academic achievement. Following graduation, in 1949, she attended the former Fashion Academy in New York City, where she earned an internship at Bergdolf Goodman. In September of 1955, Ginny married John Pescatello. The couple settled in Waterford and went on to raise six children.
Being a wife and mother did not deter Virginia from pursuing her artistic talents. She was an accomplished fashion designer and illustrator; her wedding gowns were sold at Neiman Marcus and Harold’s of New Haven. Additionally, she had her own line of children’s clothing. Ginny was well known in community theater as a director, actress, and set designer, but she was most noted for costume design.
She authentically costumed the large productions of local theater groups, including The Pfizer Players and East Lyme Arts Council.
Along with her dedication to theater, Virginia was devoted to her children, who often participated in her productions. She continued to paint throughout her lifetime, and explore many other facets of artistic expression. Also, a fantastic cook and baker, she could be found in the kitchen late into the night before every holiday.
Ginny worked for various department stores, retiring in 2006 at the of age 75. While residing at Fairview, in recent years, she shared her skills with residents and staff doing clothing alterations and making masks at the beginning of the pandemic.
Virginia is survived by her children: Mary Pescatello, Joseph Pescatello, Jude Pescatello, Theresa Robinson, Lisa Fields, Catherine Pescatello; grandchildren: Celena, Nerice, John, Chelsea, Tyler, Zachary, Saege, Rebecca, Matthew, Marcus, Louisa; great-grandchildren Miles, Cyrus, Elian, Alani, Roman, Vincent, Cecelia, Maggie, Elena; a sister, Marie Carmenati; her nieces and nephew; and sons-in-law: Robert Robinson, Thomas Cheesman, and Clay Fields. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Carmenati and Helen Wesolowski, her brother Bryan Carmenati; her beloved granddaughter Nina, and beloved great-grandson Ruben.
Virginia (affectionately known as “Grammy”), maintained special relationships with all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A woman ahead of her time, Ginny’s positive, progressive outlook, and acceptance of all people remained steadfast. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. In the struggle of her last days, she often reiterated that “life is beautiful,” one of her last quotes being: “Learn how to be happy, only you can learn it, and nobody can take it away.”
The family of Virginia Pescatello would like to express their sincere thanks to all the staff at Fairview for the outstanding care she received during her stay. She truly loved being there.
Virginia’s family will receive relatives and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 12 Ocean Ave., New London. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, at St. Mary’s Church, Huntington Street, New London. Interment will at St. Mary’s cemetery, Jefferson Avenue, New London. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.neilanfuneralhome. com.