Marie “Mary” L. (DiNonno) Blesso, age 98, of Wethersfield, beloved wife of the late James F. Blesso, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Hartford Hospital. Marie was born in Hartford on August 15, 1922, the daughter of the late Antonio and Giovanna (Riccio) DiNonno. She attended Hartford schools and graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1940. She was initially employed by Dun & Bradstreet, and after 15 years she joined the State of Connecticut Office of Civil Preparedness and later the Department of Transportation. She retired from State Government in 1973.
She was a member of St. Luke’s Church since 1931. She and her husband were married there in 1953 by the original pastor, Father Walter Casey. As a child of the Depression, she sometimes reflected on the impact that event had on her family. She talked about her brother and sisters entertaining themselves and the countless hours spent pouring over books and maps in fantasy trips throughout the world. Her retirement brought with it the opportunity to turn those childhood dreams into reality. She and her husband toured most of Europe and enjoyed annual cruises and trips to most of the states, and they also looked forward to spending winters at their second home in Barefoot Bay, FL. While she enjoyed these trips and the realization of childhood dreams, she was always happy to return home to family and friends. Her holidays and Christmas parties were always special occasions. Marie was a member of the Connecticut State Employees Association, Chapter 411 and an honorary member of the New England Public Safety Radio League and the Associated Public Safety Communications Officials.
She leaves a niece, Lynne Morin and her husband Mark of East Berlin; nephews, Stephen Janeczek and his wife Debbie of Vermont, James Hogan and his wife Rhonda of East Hartford and Thomas Hogan of Mansfield. She also leaves several great-nieces and great-nephews. Besides her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Charles DiNonno; two sisters, Lucille DiNonno and Gertrude Janeczek; two nephews, Anthony DiNonno and William DiNonno and a niece, Joanne Tynan.
Funeral services and burial in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield will be private. Donations in Marie’s memory may be made to Autism Speaks, 1060 State Road, Second Floor, Princeton, NJ 08540. The D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, Wethersfield has been entrusted with arrangements. To share a memory of Marie with her family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0