Yoko "Meiko" Letizio

Yoko “Meiko” (Kadekaru) Letizio, 85, of Bristol, beloved wife for 58 years of the late James V. “Jimmy” Letizio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Born in Okinawa, Japan on November 8, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Rinzan and Tomi Kadekaru. She is survived by sisters Yosiko, Tiyoko, Satiko, Harumi and brothers Riniti, Miyuki, Susumu, Mituru and Rinji. Yoko met Jimmy when he was stationed in Okinawa while serving in the Air Force. They came to the U.S. in 1961, settling first in Rome, NY and eventually Hartford. Yoko loved flowers, especially roses and spending time at the beach. She also enjoyed Japanese cooking, gardening and going to Foxwoods. Yoko devoted her life to raising her family, and she was happiest when she was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Yoko will be forever missed by her three sons, James V. Letizio, Jr. and wife Holly of Bristol, Vincent M. Letizio and wife Karen of Wethersfield and Christopher M. Letizio and wife Claire of Westerly, RI; her nine adored grandchildren, Ashlee, Melanie and husband William, James, III and wife Kathryn, Joshua and wife Stefanie, Britney and husband Thomas, Matthew, Joseph, Elizabeth and Merissa and seven cherished great-grandchildren, Gavin, Avery, Billy, Gianna, Beckham, Jaxon and Hudson, who fondly refer to her as “Oba”

In addition to her husband and parents, Yoko was sadly predeceased by her beloved daughter, Rosemarie Letizio Hayden.

Special thanks to the nurses at the DCI center in Farmington, CT and Dr Joseph Tremaglio. Another special thanks goes out to Ashlee and Holly for taking such good care of Mom/Oba.

The Funeral Service will be Monday, August 18 at 12:00 p.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel.