Barbara M. Amadeo (Grasso)

Barbara M. (Grasso) Amadeo, 82, of Wethersfield, beloved wife of the late James ""Kong"" J. Amadeo and the mother of the late Pamela Matthews, passed away peacefully on Sunday (December 29, 2013) surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 30, 1931 in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late John and Lena (Campanella) Grasso and had lived in the area all of her life. She was employed by Nielsen Tool & Die for 27 years as a quality control inspector. Barbara cherished family time, especially family vacations, cooking and baking, and playing cards with family and close friends. More than anything, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A loving and giving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be dearly missed by her four children and their spouses, John and Donatina Amadeo of Middletown, James and Sandra Amadeo of Wethersfield, Cindy and Taras Paluch of Rocky Hill and Angela and William Beaulieu of Vernon; her 14 adored grandchildren, Kelly, Lisa, Nicole, Jimbo, Anthony, Nikko, Marco, Justin, Mackenzie, Andrew, Colby, Aurora, Matthew and Tyler and seven cherished great-grandchildren, Alec, Thomas, Kayla, Ben, Jason, Lilah and Christyan. She is also survived by her sister, Rosalie Reed and many extended family members and life-long friends. In addition to her husband, daughter and parents, Barbara was predeceased by her brother, Peter and eight sisters, Peggy, Mary, Ida, Gloria, Laura, Delores, Joan and Beverly. Barbara would open her heart and soul to anyone; her smile was contagious. She was a genuine woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. She instilled kindness and gentleness, leaving behind a legacy that will always remain in our hearts. A special thanks to the nurses and aides at the Salmon Brook Center and Masonicare Hospice who provided Barbara with comfort and care. Funeral services will leave Thursday (January 2) at 9:15 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.