Donate in Memory of Pauline (Polly) Gionfriddo
Obituary: Pauline (Polly) Gionfriddo
Published in The Hartford Courant on November 18, 2014
Pauline (Polly) Gionfriddo passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2014 after a courageous battle with ALS. She was the beloved wife of 59 years to Sal Gionfriddo.
Born in Littleton, NH; she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rose Morisette, spending her adolescent years in Lisbon, NH where she first performed as a church soloist at age 5. After moving to New Britain, CT she attended St. Mary’s School and New Britain Senior High School where she was active in the Music Club, studied piano, performed ballet and continued as a soloist singer at several weddings and church functions. After graduating with the class of 1949, Polly was employed as an executive secretary if the Educational Department of Stanley Tools. Polly’s passion was for her family whom she loved dearly and after her first son was born in 1958, she became a full time mother devoted to raising her two sons and supporting her husband in his every endeavor. She served as a chaperone and volunteer at many of her children’s school activities and also as a docent at the New Britain Museum of American Art. Once her children were grown, she enjoyed traveling with her husband to places in this country, Bermuda, the Caribbean Islands and Europe. In addition, she enjoyed playing tennis, and golf. Following her husband’s retirement, they moved to Cape Cod and settled in Chatham where they had honeymooned and spent many summers vacationing with their children and friends. Polly became an active member of the Chatham Newcomers, the Monomoy Yacht Club and the Chatham Garden Club.
Polly possessed a marvelous smile, wonderful sense of humor and warm personality. Above all else she will be remembered for her devotion to her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. She will be deeply missed. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, Sal Gionfriddo and his wife Susan of Granville, MA, Mark Gionfriddo of Plainville, CT and her beloved grandson, Dante Gionfriddo. She also leaves behind, her brother-in-law, Paul Gionfriddo of Lehigh Acres, FL; her sister-in-law, Lucille Petralia of Methuen, MA; sister-in-law Joyce Mancarella and her husband Paul of Farmington, CT several beloved nieces, nephews and cherished friends and two she considered her “surrogate children:, Ezzio Partesano and June Cameron.
The family will be receiving friends between 10-11 am on Saturday, November 22 at the Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Rd., Chatham, MA with a brief Memorial Service starting at 11am. Luncheon will be served immediately following the services. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to Compassionate Care ALS. For online condolences please visit www.nickersonfunerals.com
