Gianna Lynn Petrella

Gianna Lynn Petrella, 19, of Wethersfield, beloved daughter and sister, passed away unexpectedly on July 16, 2016. Gianna was born in Hartford on June 2, 1997 and was the daughter of Michael Petrella of Wethersfield and Donnalynn (Notaro) Petrella of Wethersfield. Gianna was a 2015 graduate of Wethersfield High School and was currently attending Manchester Community College. Gianna found her true passion working with children. Sarah and her new KinderCare family had such a special place in her heart. Gianna was on her way to becoming an amazing teacher. She had such great love for her family and friends; a beautiful and kind person, an old soul who wore her heart on her sleeve. Gianna fought so hard to find peace in her life and she has at last found peace. For all of us who were able to share in her love, we now have a beautiful Guardian Angel taking care of us, and that's all she ever really wanted to do. Kindness goes so much farther than we could ever imagine. You are only one, but you are one. With Gianna in your heart please be the one and in honor of Gianna keep kindness in your heart and pay it forward. In addition to her parents Gianna leaves behind her sister Isabella, her paternal grandparents Anthony and Doris Petrella of New York, and maternal grandparents Richard and Frances Notaro of North Haven. In addition she leaves her uncles, Anthony Petrella, Christopher Petrella, R.J. Notaro and his wife Kelly, her aunt and godmother Brenda Romeo-Forbes and her husband Ian; godfather Anthony Schiano and her cousins; Kyle, Audrey, Jack, Spencer, Jack, William, James, Gabby and Danielle. She also leaves Danielle Verre, her Confirmation sponsor and mentor.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 9:45 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to meet at church. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to an educational fund set up in honor of Gianna for her sister Isabella to pursue the dreams Gianna will never have the opportunity to do. Donations can be made out to: The Isabella Petrella Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 290312, Wethersfield, CT 06129. For online expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopo.com.