Cornelia Immacolata Dalena

Cornelia was born on December 8, 1927, in Gioia Del Colle, Puglia, Italy. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Giuseppe Domenico 'Nonno Joe' Dalena, as well as her parents, Giovanni Tancorra and Maria Procino Tancorra.

Left to treasure her memory are her children, Dr. Frank Dalena and his wife Lisa Best Dalena, and Isabel Dalena Galgano with her husband, Kenneth Galgano. She was the cherished grandmother of Dr. Melissanne Dalena Jordan and her husband, Dr. Andrew Jordan, Michele Dalena Comforti and her husband, Alex Comforti, Isabella Dalena, Ashley Galgano Cisto and her husband, Robert Cisto, Natalie Galgano Kerwin and her husband, Chris Kerwin, and Carissa Galgano. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Antanella Marie 'Nella' Jordan.

Cornelia's life was defined by resilience, devotion, and love. On March 20, 1971, she moved with her immediate family from Sammichele Di Bari, Italy, to the United States, carrying with her the traditions and values of her homeland. A graduate of Seamster School in Italy, she was gifted with a talent for sewing and was self-employed at home, creating wedding party dresses and tailoring clothing for both women and men. Upon arriving in America, she began a new chapter, working as a packer at M&M. Mars, alongside her beloved husband Joe, or 'Peppino,' where they both dedicated 22 years before retiring together.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Whispering Pines Rehab and Nursing Home in East Haven, Connecticut, for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Cornelia in her final days.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 p.m. at Spadaccino and Leo P. Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 06468. Should anyone wish to send flowers, please send them directly to the funeral home. On Friday, September 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., there will be a final viewing at the funeral home, followed by burial at 11:15 a.m. at Gate of Heaven Cemetery on Daniels Farm Road in Trumbull, Connecticut.