Maryann Rafaella Ficocello

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Maryann lived a life marked by steady work, devotion to family, and quiet strength. Because of the times in which she came of age, and as was often the case for women in industrial fields, she never married and had no children. Instead, she devoted her life to her work, to those she loved, and to helping friends and family members whenever she could.

Maryann spent her entire working life as a machinist, building a respected career with several major local manufacturers, including United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney, and Smith & Wesson. Her work reflected both skill and determination. At United Technologies, she was part of the group that built the 4000 jet engine, and she was the only woman machinist in that unit. In an era when such opportunities were far less available to women, Maryann was a groundbreaker in her field. Her career stands as a lasting testament to her perseverance and to the path she helped open for others.

She took particular pride in seeing the next generations pursue meaningful work of their own. She looked proudly at her great-nephew Joshua, who is following in her footsteps in applied manufacturing. She was also very proud of her great-nephew Matthew, a career firefighter with the East Hartford Fire Department, serving near where she grew up.She spent many summer vacations with her great-neice Claire in Maine and Niantic.

Affectionately known as "Figgy," Maryann was a kind and caring woman who went out of her way to help friends and family members. She was devoted to her two sisters, Gloria and Theodora, and to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Her care for those around her was a defining part of her life, and she remained closely connected to the people who mattered most to her.

She is survived by her niece Allison Buckley, daughter of her youngest sister, Theodora; the children of her older sister Stephen Smith and Sandra and Allan Poliks; and her great-niece Vanessa Gilbert and Vanessa's children, Kody and Lily. Living to 92 meant that Maryann was predeceased by most of her immediate family, but she always said she kept them in her heart.

Maryann's life was one of diligence, loyalty, and generosity. She built things of lasting value in her work, and she gave of herself generously in her personal life. Those who knew her will remember a woman who carried herself with pride, cared deeply for her family, and earned her place as a pioneer in her profession.

In her memory, donations may be made to any charities that make you happy in her name. She would like that. A viewing will be held on September 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Newkirk & Whitney, 318 Burnside Ave., East Hartford. Catholic Burial Rites will follow at 1:30 PM at Mount St. Benedict's Mausoleum, 1 Cottage Grove Rd., Bloomfield CT.