Maria T Menta

Maria (Mancuso) Menta, 93, of Newington, beloved wife for 48 years of the late Luciano Menta, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Born on February 13, 1933, in San Filippo del Mela, Italy, Maria was the cherished daughter of the late Michelangelo and Pietra (Cicciari) Mancuso. She was the second oldest of seven siblings and carried a deep sense of devotion to her family from a young age. Her love and selflessness were evident early on when she moved to Messina, Italy to help care for her brother so he could focus on his studies.

Maria met the love of her life, Luciano, and together dreamed of building a better future. They married in 1968 and immigrated to the United States, settling first in Hartford, surrounded by extended family and the comfort of a close-knit neighborhood. In 1969, she welcomed her beloved son, Michael, who became the joy and pride of her life. Embracing her new life in America, Maria became a proud U.S. citizen and developed a talent as an accomplished seamstress.

In 1977, they made their home in Newington, where Maria created a warm and welcoming household that became the center of family life. She loved welcoming relatives visiting from overseas and made sure they experienced the warmth of her home and hospitality. Maria took great pride in caring for her home and family. Her house was always spotless, her kitchen always busy, and no one ever left her table hungry.

Maria had a passion for cooking and will always be remembered for her delicious meals—especially her famous stuffed cutlets. Nothing brought her more happiness than gathering with family, where laughter, lively conversations, card games, and abundant food filled the room.

Maria’s heart grew even fuller when her son and his wife, Marianne, shared the joyful news that they were expecting a child. The arrival of her only grandchild, Massimo, brought her immeasurable happiness. She could hardly wait to have him at her table and delighted in feeding him whenever she could. Massimo still fondly remembers the “Nonna cookies” Maria would lovingly sneak to him when he was just a baby. In her later years, Massimo remained a special light in her life—one of the few things that could always make her smile and brighten her day.

In 2011, Maria began experiencing health challenges that gradually slowed the active life she had always enjoyed. Even as everyday tasks became increasingly difficult and painful, she made every effort to continue attending family gatherings and cooking for those she loved. Over time, her health limited her ability to leave her home, but food and family traditions remained an important part of her life. With loving care and devotion, her son ensured that her home was always stocked with food, a small but meaningful comfort that reflected the central role cooking and sharing meals had always played in her life.

Her son devoted himself to her care, ensuring she was always safe, comfortable, and surrounded by love. Because of his dedication, Maria was able to spend most of her later years in the home she loved, with the support of many caregivers, especially Miriam and Catherine whose care, kindness, and companionship was deeply appreciated by her and the family.

Maria’s life was defined by love, generosity, and devotion to those around her. Her warmth, strength, and the traditions she cherished will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Maria will be forever missed by her devoted son, Michael Menta and wife Marianne of Middletown and her adored grandson, Massimo. She is survived by one sister, Rosa Franca and her husband Rosario of Catania, Italy and sisters-in-law, Maria Teresa Mancuso of Milano, Italy, Venera Mancuso of Catania, Italy, Carmela Menta of West Hartford, Maria Menta of Newington, Lucy Menta of Simsbury and Rosaria “Sara” Menta and her fiancé Michele Abbruzzese of Wethersfield, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister, Francesca and her husband Luigi Mortola; four brothers, Francesco, Augustino and his wife Lucia, Guiseppe and his wife Agata, Salvatore; one sister-in-law, Carmela and five brothers-in-law, Vincenzo, Luigi, Guiseppe and his wife Concetta, Michele and Salvatore.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, March 9 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd, Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Church of the Holy Spirit, 183 Church St., Newington. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 453 Fairfield Ave, Hartford.