Janet Beth Antilla

Janet Beth Antilla, 64, of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, passed away surrounded by her family on November 21, 2025. Born on March 6, 1961 to James and Carol Hansen, Janet spent her childhood in East Hampton, Connecticut.

She was a shining light to all who knew her, blessed with an infectious laugh and a kind nature that quickly turned strangers into friends. She never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or a loved one who needed comfort. At gatherings large or small, the mood was instantly elevated when Janet entered the room.

Janet lived an active and adventurous life that she filled with friends, travel, and boundless endeavors with her family. At 16, she spent a year studying in Australia after achieving sponsorship from the Rotary Club. After graduating high school in 1979, she spent several years traveling up and down the East Coast as head steward on an American Cruise Lines ship out of Haddam, CT, collecting lifelong friends along the way.

She graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Social Work in 1988 and began working with underserved patients at Catholic Charities in Danbury, CT.

Janet married Christopher Antilla on October 14th, 2001 and three years later, they purchased the Rathskeller Restaurant and Bar in Southbury, CT, transforming it into a must-go local spot. With Chris, she later realized their longtime dream to own a beach house in 2010, when they found a place just down the street from Long Island Sound in Old Saybrook. She passed on her love of the beach to her children, who on sunny days knew they could find their Mom reading a book – or hosting an impromptu party – at her favorite spot at Saybrook Manor Beach.

After raising her four children in Southbury, CT, Janet became a full-time resident of Old Saybrook in the summer of 2022. Shortly after, she opened Driftwood, a one-stop shop for home decor and unique gifts that reflected her love of all things beach and nautical. The embodiment of Janet’s magnetic personality – and savvy business acumen – Driftwood displayed her talent for aesthetics and served as a meeting place for countless friends.

She was an avid runner, completing four marathons and getting known around town for her long runs. In the 1990s, before runners had hydration packs, she would prepare for long-distance races by hiding Gatorade juice boxes inside bushes and aside fire hydrants along her path.

Janet possessed unwavering faith, confirmed in 1977 as a member of the Lutheran Church. She later joined multiple congregational churches, including First Church of Christ in Saybrook.

Janet will be remembered for her extraordinary love for her family, countless friendships, and gatherings that brought together all.

Janet leaves behind her beloved family including her husband, Chris Antilla of Old Saybrook, CT, four children, Parker Antilla of Old Saybrook, CT, Cooper Holbrook of Danbury, CT, Hayley Holbrook of Naples, FL, and Hannah Sanchez (Johnny) of Naples, FL, two grandchildren, Maya and Sebastian Sanchez of Naples, FL, and four siblings, Lynda Shautt of Coventry, CT, Cathy Saltus of East Hampton, CT, James Hansen of East Hampton, CT, and Denise Evans of East Hampton, CT.

A visitation will be held at Swan Funeral Home, located at 1224 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, on December 4, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at the First Church of Christ, 366 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, on December 5, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The burial will follow at Cypress Cemetery, 100 College St, Old Saybrook, CT 06475, on December 5, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.