Valerie (Atwood) Benito McCarthy

Valerie (Atwood) Benito McCarthy, 64, of East Hartford, loving wife of 31 years to Dennis J. McCarthy, died peacefully at her home on Friday, June 5, 2015 with her caring family by her side. Born in Hartford on October 10, 1950, a daughter of the late Edwards and Barbara (Stengle) Atwood, she had been a life-long resident of East Hartford. She was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1968 and attended Eastern Connecticut State University. Prior to her retirement, she was employed for 28 years by Bank of America, working mostly in the Proof Department. Valerie was an active 50 year-member of the First Congregational Church of East Hartford. She taught Sunday school and Confirmation classes for many years and belonged to many committees and groups at First Church. She was an avid scrap booker who loved taking photographs of her family and friends. Most of all, she loved being a grandmother to her grandchildren.

Besides her beloved husband Dennis, Valerie is survived by her three daughters, Catherine “Cat” Benito of East Hartford, Patricia “Tricia” Andrulot and her husband, John, of Manchester, Margaret “Maggie” Sanzo and her husband, Stephen, of East Hartford; four cherished grandchildren, Nicholas, Michael, and Paige Andrulot all of Manchester, and Lucas Sanzo of East Hartford. She also leaves seven brothers, Edwards Atwood and his wife, Bonnie of Schenectady, NY, Peter Atwood and his wife, Sue, in Connecticut, Larry Atwood and his wife, Barbara, of Broad Brook, Douglas Atwood and his wife, Carole, of Utica, NY, Robert Atwood and his wife, Mary, of Coventry, James Atwood in Connecticut, George Atwood in California; two sisters, Laurel Atwood of Coventry, Barbara Arnold and her husband, Bill, of Windsor; her mother-in-law, Effie McCarthy of Waterford; a sister-in-law, Denise Gonyo of Waterford; a brother-in-law, David McCarthy and his wife, Kelley, of Waterford; many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and former co-workers and students. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her father-in-law, Dennis J. McCarthy, Sr.

Funeral service will be Saturday (June 13th) at 11 am at the First Congregational Church, 837 Main Street, East Hartford with Rev. Kelly Jane Forbush officiating. (Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church on Saturday morning). Private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may call at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford on Friday (June 12th) from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Valerie’s name may be made to the First Congregational Church Scholarship Fund, 837 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.