Connie E Velotta

Loving wife of Robert (Buz) Velotta for 60 years; Loving mother to Carolann (Len) Stanek and Christiane (Jamie) Rader; grandmother of Diana (Chris) Dewan, Tony (Megan) Stercula, Jacob and Jordan Rader, Greg (Andi) Stanek and Matt Stanek. Sister of Sandra Marie and Bill (Sara) Gaglione.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Faye Gaglione and brother James Grayson.

She was admired by her many nieces and nephews, always making them feel as though they were one of her own. She was fun-loving and called a “best” friend by many.

Connie lived her life to the fullest; she was very active. When she was younger, she enjoyed ice skating and horseback riding. She was an avid snow and water skier, enjoyed yoga, boating and entertaining with Buz in their home. She loved spending time and doing things for her grandchildren; she rarely missed any of their sporting events or school activities. Connie loved dressing up for Halloween and trick or treating with Diana and Tony.

When Connie was in her forties, she graduated from Cleveland State University with a double major in English and Communications. Connie was a life-long volunteer for numerous organizations. Among her many acts of selflessness, she volunteered helping disadvantaged children learn to swim. In 1982, she was one of the founders of the “Penquin Paddle” at Holiday Valley Ski Resort. The fundraiser supported the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program; she helped organize the event for 8 years. The fundraiser just celebrated it’s 37th year.

Connie was an excellent seamstress. She used her talent by volunteering at Weathervane Playhouse in Akron, Ohio as a member of the Costume Committee for over 25 years, totaling over 25,000 hours. She was the Costume Designer for numerous plays and received the award for the Best Designer for the 1992-93, 1993-94 and 1999-2000 seasons. She also donated her time sewing rag dolls for a local children’s home. She made dozens of outfits for her children and grandchildren over the years. She made numerous prom dresses and bridesmaids dresses and was the “go-to” for alterations for many.

In addition to her sewing talent, she expressed great talent in the art of Batik. She made an uncountable number of framed batiks, scarves and ties for her family and friends.

Connie lovingly cared for her Mom, Faye and her Father-in-law, Michael in their final years.

Connie touched hundreds of lives throughout her life and will be greatly missed.

Her family wishes to express their gratitude to Linsday Begovich for taking such special care of Connie over the past several years and the Hospice of the Western Reserve for their care over the past several weeks.

Family will receive friends on Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 2 PM – 6 PM at the Rose Hill Funeral Home 3653 W Market St., Akron, Ohio 44333. The funeral Mass will be Monday, July 9, 2018 at 10 AM at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, 300 East Tallmadge Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44310, officiated by her friend Pastor Joseph Warner. Inurnment Holy Cross Cemetery, Akron, Ohio. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rosehillbp.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Connie’s memory may be made to Blessed Trinity Catholic Church or the Hospice of the Western Reserve (hospicewr.org).