Leigh Pechillo

Leigh (Newton) Pechillo, 56, of Southington passed to our Lord on March 25, 2026. Leigh was predeceased by her father, Robert Newton. She is survived by her children, Alexandra (Allie) and Robert (Robby) Pechillo of Southington, her mother, Linda Newton (Rio) of New Britain, and her lifelong best friend, Danielle Gentry of Denver, CO.

She most recently worked as the Assistant Manager for Connecticut Children's Foundation’s Donor Relations and Patient Ambassador Program, a position that provided her great satisfaction given that organization’s focus on children. She took a personal interest in and loved the children she worked with.

Leigh was an avid fan of the dramatic arts and in her 20s was a traveling cast member of Up With People, which is an international educational, non-profit organization that promotes global connection through music, community service, and host-family stays. She made lifelong friends through this organization and supported Up With People passionately through the years by attending reunions and maintaining her relationships. Leigh loved attending live theater and proudly passed that passion on to Allie and Robby.

In part due to the effect of heart disease on her family and later on herself, Leigh also was a tireless supporter for research and advocacy for heart health in general and particularly that for women. She devoted countless hours of volunteer work, raising funds for heart disease research and testifying in support of heart health legislation.

Most of all, Leigh was a caring and supportive mom to Allie and Robby and she took great pride in their having become successful young adults. Leigh will be greatly missed by her family and loved ones.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 10:15 am from the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St. Southington to St. Dominic Church, 1050 Flanders Rd., Southington for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 17 Wickham Rd., Glastonbury. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home.

You are invited to join the livestream of Leigh's Funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 1st at 11 am. Please use the link below: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a2603511274889

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Leigh’s name to Connecticut Children’s Foundation and mailed to PO Box 412901, Boston, MA 02241-2901 or made online at https://www.connecticutchildrensfoundation.org/