Dolores A. Vallera

Dolores (Abbate) Vallera, 92, of Hartford, died Monday June 6, 2022 at Hartford Hospital. Born March 3, 1930, in Hartford, she was the daughter of the late Rose (Rago) and Dominic Abbate. A much-adored wife, mother, and grandmother, she was predeceased by her husband Robert in 2011 after 60 years of marriage. She leaves four children: Barbara Racine and son-in-law Richard of Medfield, MA, Dr. Patricia Vallera of Newington, Anthony Vallera and daughter-in-law Paula of Mustang, OK, and Robert Vallera, Jr. and daughter-in-law Tara of Wethersfield; seven grandchildren: Lauren Lynes and husband Todd, Nichole Popores and husband Patrick, Nicholas Vallera and wife Laura, Dr. R. Maxwell Racine, Samuel Racine, Michael Vallera, and Kelly Vallera; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her much joy.

Upon graduation from Bulkeley High School in 1949, Dolores began working for LIMRA in Hartford. She became a stay-at-home mom once her children were born and volunteered for the Parents’ Associations at their schools and was a member of the St. Lawrence O’Toole Rosary Altar Society. When her youngest son graduated high school, she began working for the Hartford Board of Education as a paraprofessional. She loved her colleagues and working as an aide in the Hartford Public High School library. Her colleagues loved her cheery disposition and that she baked almost daily, bringing homemade goodies to school to share with anyone who needed a cookie. Family meant everything to Dolores and she loved planning birthday and holiday celebrations and family vacations. After suffering a stroke, Dolores developed dementia and the family will be forever grateful to Bob and Tara and their children, Michael and Kelly, with whom she has lived for the past five years. Even as her memory and body failed her, Dolores continued to be the most upbeat person in the room. She will be sorely missed by all who loved her.

Calling hours will be at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 17th. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 18th at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Parish (Corpus Christi Church), 601 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to please go directly to the church. Interment will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association, 200 Executive Blvd., Suite B, Southington, CT 06489 or online at: act.alz.org. To share a memory of Dolores with her family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.