Mary Brickley DeChello, 75, of Clinton, CT, passed away Monday, July 15, 2019, surrounded by family and loved ones at Middlesex Hospital. She was born in Derby, CT to the late Thomas and Marion Brickley. Mary was predeceased by her husband, Anthony DeChello, to whom she was married for 25 years. She earned her B.A. at Albertus Magnus College and her Master’s in English from Trinity College. She taught English and History at Derby High School, Amity Regional High School and The Morgan School in Clinton until her retirement in 2002. At The Morgan School, Mary was a small dynamo of energy who was involved in many extra-curricular activities with her students. Most notably, she served as a leader of the yearbook staff for 16 years, winning national awards for the publication. Mary will be best remembered for her love of teaching and the positive impact she had on thousands of students over the years. When speaking of her students she was often heard saying, “They keep me young”.
After her retirement, Mary stayed busy continuing her Morgan yearbook work, editing books, tutoring, and working within the Tau Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international sorority that helps raise money for women who want to enter the field of education. She was an avid reader and belonged to the book club at the Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton. Throughout her life Mary enjoyed photography, knitting, cooking, socializing with friends, and spending time with her family.
Mary leaves behind her soul mate Peter Veslocki of Old Saybrook, cousins, Deborah Galasso and her husband Jeff Scheckwitz of Lyme and John Galasso of Tempe, AZ. She also leaves behind her precious cousins, Jonah and Katie Scheckwitz, to whom she was their dear “Nana”.
The family would like to thank her many loving caregivers, Angela, Phil, Chad and Ethan Paradis, Jaime and Sean Fitzgerald, Vickie Adorno, Jenna and Paige from Dignity Plus Home Care and the staff at Gladeview Health Care Center.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Swan Funeral Home, 80 East Main St., Clinton on Wednesday, July 24 from 5-7pm. Burial will be private at Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby, CT.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Henry Carter Hull Library, 10 Killingworth Tpke., Clinton, CT 06413 or via their website where you can also dedicate a book in Mary’s honor.
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