Margo Viggiano

It is with heartbreaking sadness that the family of Margo Viggiano announces her sudden and untimely passing on March 31, 2026. Born on April 13, 1944, to Dale and Ethel King of North Haven, Margo’s life was defined by her vibrant spirit, her dedication to her craft, and an enduring love for her family.

Growing up, Margo found her greatest joy by the water. Whether she was crabbing or simply enjoying the shoreline, the coast was her sanctuary. Her playful nature was evident early on—from insisting on an Easter basket until she was 18 to her legendary love for Halloween. One year, she famously dressed up as an entire boat, a testament to the creativity and humor that she carried throughout her life.

Margo leaves behind her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, David Viggiano. The two were looking forward to celebrating their 61st anniversary this coming May 23rd. She is also survived by her daughter, Jeanne Viggiano; her son, Adam Viggiano and his wife Kelly; and her son, John and his wife Anne.

Her heart belonged completely to her two grandsons, Tanner Carlson and Luca Rodrigues. Margo never missed a basketball or baseball game and cherished the time spent teaching them to fish and crab, passing down the joys of her own childhood. Luca will deeply miss the adventures they shared, the lunches, dinners, and fairs, and the sight of his grandma using a stepstool to climb in and out of Jeanne’s Jeep. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Bailey, who continues to look for her momma.

In her professional life, Margo was a pillar of the Chester community. In 1967, her father built Margo’s Beauty Center for her. Though she was initially nervous about opening her own shop, her father recognized her immense talent. That instinct proved correct; Margo possessed a rare passion for hairdressing, often telling her daughter, Jeanne, who worked alongside her for 20 years, that she never woke up a day in her life without looking forward to work. For decades, she maintained a waiting list that rivaled any high-end city salon, yet she took immense pride in her "city salon in the country," which many clients affectionately compared to the atmosphere of Steel Magnolias. Margo often said she hoped to be working until she was 100; while she didn't quite make it, she worked with joy right up until the day before her surgery on March 25, 2026.

Outside the salon, Margo was a gifted gardener and an expert mushroom hunter. She maintained 16 beautiful gardens at her home in Vermont, showcasing a natural talent for garden architecture and design. Her love for "mushrooming" was a skill taught by her father; she spent countless hours in the woods and was famously protective of her secret spots. Her harvest often found its way into her famous holiday stuffing.

Margo was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Donna Kershaw and husband Tom; and her brother-in-law, John Alberino. She is survived by her brother, Dale King Jr. and his wife Pat; her sisters, Kathy King and Susan Alberino; and nieces and nephews (Kim, Pam, Johnny aka Geo, Hank and Jason) as well as her loyal clients who became like family over the last 60 years.

A funeral service will be held at Saint Pio Parish (formerly Saint John’s) in Old Saybrook, CT, on June 13th at 10:30 AM. A reception will follow at the Middlesex Yacht Club in Chester. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the remarkable life of a woman who was truly one of a kind.