Lena Gagliardi (Pappaceno)

Lena (Pappaceno) Gagliardi, 93, of East Hartford, beloved wife of the late Stephen Philip Gagliardi, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, (April 28, 2011) with her caring family by her side. Born in East Hartford on November 24, 1917, a daughter of the late Enrico and Nancy (Ravalese) Pappaceno, she had been a life-long resident of the town and a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1934. Prior to her retirement, Lena was employed for many years by the East Hartford Police Department, and also had worked at the State of CT-DMV. A devout Catholic, Lena was a faithful communicant of St. Rose Church, East Hartford and a member of the church Ladies Guild. Lena was a member of the East Hartford Northend Senior Citizens with whom she enjoyed taking several bus trips, and also liked gardening, crocheting, and cooking. Besides her beloved husband and parents, she was predeceased by her son, Stephen Philip Gagliardi, Jr. of East Hartford, and several brothers and sisters. Lena is survived by her devoted daughter, Elizabeth ""Betty"" Reichardt and her husband, George Phillip, of Colchester and Old Lyme; a brother, Harry Pappaceno, Jr. of Colchester, VT; two sisters, Minnie Libera of Cromwell, and Grace Krawiec of East Hartford; two special grandchildren, Christopher Reichardt of East Hartford, Stephanie Wizboski and her husband, Chester, of Townsend, MA; two adored great-grandsons, Jack and Erik Wizboski both of Townsend, MA; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Funeral services will be Monday (May 2, 2011) at 9 a.m. from the D'ESOPO-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Rose Church, 33 Church Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery (Section B), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Sunday (May 1st) from 3-5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Masonicare Partners Home Health & Hospice, 111 Founders Plaza, Suite 200, East Hartford, CT 06108. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.