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Ann Denise DeMatteo, 56 of Hamden, formerly of East Haven died Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Yale-New Haven Hospital, St. Raphael Campus after a long courageous battle with breast cancer. Ann was born in New Haven on October 5, 1956, a beloved daughter of Ann A. Silvestro DeMatteo of Hamden and the late Joseph G. DeMatteo, Jr., and had resided in Hamden for most of her life and in East Haven for twenty years. Ann was a journalist and news reporter for the New Haven Register for the past thirty five years, spending most of that time covering Hamden and North Haven, and had most recently been named Managing Editor of the Middletown Press. She was a 1974 graduate of Hamden High School, and a 1978 graduate of the University of Bridgeport where she received her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. Ann was on the Board of Directors of the Miss Connecticut Scholarship Pageant, was a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, and was the former National President of Omega Phi Alpha National Service Sorority. She is also survived by her loving brother Joseph G. DeMatteo, III and his wife Patricia of Hamden, her treasured niece and nephew Rebecca Lynn and John Anthony DeMatteo, several loving aunts, uncles and cousins, and many loving friends. She was predeceased by her beloved sister Karen Rose DeMatteo.
Ann's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Torello-Iacobucci Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven. Her funeral procession will leave from the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 11:00 in Blessed Sacrament Church, 321 Circular Ave., Hamden. Burial will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, Hamden. Memorial contributions in Ann's name may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Ave., Suite 1, Meriden, CT 06450 or online at www.cancer.org/donate www.washingtonmemorialfh.com
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Can't believe it's been over 10 years. Still think of her often. What a great reporter. What a better person. With her assistance and quality reporting, the Town of Hamden finally built a new police facility. She certainly has left a void for a lot of us. Local LEGEND.
RONALD SMITH
September 15, 2023
My memories of you span from Hamden High acting class through adulthood til death. Simply, you were light. You made light brighter, filled with laughter and love. I do truly miss you.
Kevin Forsth
Friend
May 13, 2019
I love you Annie! No words can express how much you are missed. Life is just not the same without you. You are always the light that shines in my heart! I think of all the wonderful times we shared from Miss Ct to me singing there was never a dull moment. I will never forget you. I miss our talking on the phone every night Every night checking in on your ride home. I hope you are happy. One day we will all be together.
Catherine Kuenzel
Friend
May 13, 2019
I remember when I first met Ann back in 1992, during the Miss Shoreline Pageant. She was so energetic, kind, funny and full of life. I am so sad to learn of her passing but her smile and kindness will always be remembered. There is now another angle watching over us and my sympathy goes out to her family.
Debbie Mallick Manente
August 21, 2013
Ann was a wonderful mentor and great support to me when I was participating in the MCSP. This wonderful woman and giving spirit will be missed by many. Thank you Ann. Shine Bright.
Jodie Bechard
June 25, 2013
Dear Annie No one knows the friendship that we had. You were my best friend, the sister I never had. We shared clothes, food, everyday conversation and our dreams. We cried and laughed everyday sometimes in the same conversation. There is such a hole in my heart since you left this world. I know you are in a beautiful place free of pain! When you read this I hope you will see the diva you always were. You never looked at yourself that way but you were always a STAR! Now you can see how much you were loved and appreciated by so so many. My life will never be the same without you my friend! I will keep sacred the memories and feel blessed that we had them. Be with god and rest peacefully Your star will forever shine!
Catherine Kuenzel
June 8, 2013
My sympathy to Ann's family, especially to her mother and caregiver, Ann A.S. DeMatteo, and to her many friends. In addition to being an excellent journalist, Ann showed incredible courage as she fought her disease. I knew Ann briefly in the 1980s when I was a Register bureau reporter. She was cordial and had a great sense of humor.
Maureen Smith
May 30, 2013
Our condolences to Ms. Dematteo's family and friends during this time of sorrow. May "the God of all comfort" bring peace to your hearts through His Word at Psalm 9:9,10.
St Louis Family
May 27, 2013
? you Ann...I will think of you often! Your inspiration for life made us all smile and strive to exceed normal! You inspire me to step out of my comfort zone...I will for you!
Jenn Jump
May 27, 2013
You will be missed!
Cathy Mosher
May 26, 2013
Ann was just a fabulous writer, person, and friend...we got to be friends through the many years of her covering stories of happenings of my students...every time I asked...she was there. We laughed quite a bit, and I was so happy for her when she received the promotion to her new job in the fall. I will miss Ann DeMatteo.Such a loss.
Ingrid Ellinger-Doviak
May 26, 2013
My deepest condolences - I will always appreciate Ann's interview & coverage of my BRCA fundraiser last Fall.... Selfless, intelligent, committed & compassionate, she was quite special. I feel extremely honored to have met Ann. She will be sorely missed by so many -
Kate Berges
May 26, 2013
Ann was always an inspiration throughout her cancer battle; her columns showed her deep strength and hope. I will always remember how she smiled when she came to Hamden High School to see the decorations when I was the After Prom Chairperson and for her support with the fundraisers. May she rest in peace.
Gina Simko
May 25, 2013
Dear Annie and Family, from all the stories I've read in this guest book, it seems to me that Ann ha led a remarkable life and will truly be missed by everyone. Her personality, loving kindness, humility and caring ways will remain in the hearts of all the people whose lives she touched and it's obvious that she did so to very many. I, too, will always remember her smile...not her red hair though...and her laughter. No matter how little I saw of her over the years, she always displayed a genuine interest in me and my family. It saddens me she had to go through so much, however, her achievements are in excess of most. So now, finally at peace, she can watch over her family and friends. My very deepest sympathy to you and your family. You are in my prayers. Love, Marilyn D'Andrea
May 25, 2013
i loved 2 read anns articles in the New haven register, she seeed like a wonderful person. want 2 extend my condolences 2 her family, so sorry 4 ur loss.
May 24, 2013
I enjoyed reading Ann's column and was saddened to hear of her struggle with breast cancer....and now her passing. Rest in peace Ms DeMatteo
Gina Sicina
May 24, 2013
I am so very sad to hear of Ann's passing. She was a great friend to the North Haven Sons & Daughters of Italy, and always loved writing about and coming to our Festival of Angels on the North Haven Green. Blessings of strength and comfort to Ann's family as they embark on their journey through grief. And, may Ann find rest, recuperation and rebirth on her final journey. Farewell, dear friend.
Gale Iannone
May 23, 2013
I remember Ann from our days at Hamden High. Although we lost touch over the years, I returned to Hamden over the holidays and began to read her column. It truly touched a nerve as my mother was treating for cancer at St Raphael's at the same time. I was very sorry to learn of Ann's passing and know first hand from my mother's death how painful this experience can be. My thoughts and prayers are with the DeMatteo family at this very difficult time.
Valerie Pagano
May 22, 2013
I met Ann at Gaylord I only new her for a month but with in that month Ann was a extremely special person in my life she took interest in me that no one else cared to care about me the way she did she always made me smile I was going through a really bad time and Ann lifted my spirits she wrote a article about me in the news paper telling my story I cried when she did this she was so caring to help me I never ask for help from no one but Ann was so caring loving and she always made my bad days a good day when I seen her I'm so glad to have met Ann she's a amazing person she had a neckless she wore every day before she left gaylord she put it around my neck and said to me u need this more than i do i told her no i couldn't take it from her she said yes please i want u to have it i cried i will wear it close to my heart i wear it every day and i tell the story of wear the neckless came from my great friend ann love u and miss u Ann R.I.P. you will be greatly missed by all
Lisa Quinn
May 22, 2013
Annie was such a special person! We'd been friends since jr. high, and in all those years she always spoke her mind, but with the biggest smile in the world! Eyes sparkling, smile on, she was something special! I'm proud to have the honor to have called her "my friend" - she was one of a kind and our loss is heaven's gain! Our HHS Class of '74 will NEVER be the same! Rest in Peace Annie! The world's a better place because of you!
Christy Vining Russell
May 21, 2013
I am so sorry about Ann. I started reading her column about two years ago and looked forward to it. I admired her for her courage and compassion. I am so sorry to her entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
May 21, 2013
Joe, John told me of your sisters passing and I wanted to tell you how sorry I am of hearing of this
Its been many years since I 've seen you and I hope you are coping as best as possible in this troubling time
David Nuzzi
May 21, 2013
I sympathize with your great loss. But always remember that God needs the best and so he has chosen Ann. She was a wonderful, compassionate and loving human being. I will always keep her in my heart. RIP my wonderful friend…I love you.
Nina Pane Sanseverino
Nina Pane Sanseverino
May 21, 2013
I got to know Anne when she covered the animal abuse case of Princess, the pit bull stabbed 29 times. If you look up the word "journalist" in the dictionary, Anne's picture would be next to it. She was a true professional who loved what she did and it showed in her writing. My sincere condolences to the DeMatteo family.
Donna Ploss
May 21, 2013
Ann is a friend of mine and Sharon's for about 30 years. I first met her at a mutual friend's singing recital. Our Paths never really crossed in business until I decided to direct an Italian Festival. She wrote many articles about this event and about our lodge as well. She interviewed anyone I asked her too. The following is a little story about Ann and a wonderful reason why I'll miss her so much. This ended up to be the last article she wrote for us but it was also a wonderful article done from her heart. In August of 2012 Ann and I set a date to talk about the Festival. When the date arrived she called me to cancel saying she had a breaking story to cover. We were not able to make another meeting. Then she showed up while I was in the process of setting up the Festival venue.
She approached me knowing, I was going to tell her I didn't have time to talk to her. She gives me a hug and a smile and says “I know you're busy but just give me one reason or one word that describes this year's Festival. I said “Love” she wrote it down, looked up, smiled at me again, a quick hug, and while walking away she says it will be in Thursdays Paper, someone might come by and take a picture. I hope you find a job soon! I'm there if you need me! The article she put in the Thursdays paper was wonderful. You can look it up and read it.
Here is a link to the article. http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/08/16/entertainment/doc502d5aa4b4289819478217.txt
Remember she wrote it from a one word answer. From all the members of our lodge, and all the volunteers, performers and vendors of the Festival, we are so sorry for your loss but we are all thankful for Ann's help and time with us. Annie, thank you, for you.
Lenny and Sharon Ricciardelli
May 21, 2013
I first met Ann in Acting Techniques class at HHS and we became friends. She was a delight! We both graduated in 1974 and also graduated from UB in 1978. We didn't see each other again until the day she walked into my confessional at Saint Vincent de Paul Church in East Haven. We talked for quite some time. We've been Facebook friends for some time now, and I've been praying for her through her fight against cancer. She didn't lose her battle - she fought the good fight and won the race - with her faith intact. You will not be forgotten, Ann. As you enter your eternal reward, remember us as we will remember you!
Father Kevin Forsyth
May 21, 2013
Ann, I was saddened for the world we live in, but rejoiced in that your future is in Heaven. You have left behind an amazing legacy of good friends/family and a love of life you shared with those all around you. You were the same when we went to high school together - you had a bright spirit that lifted others up. May you now know the peace at the end of this struggle and enjoy your next journey. Robin
Robin Knipper
May 21, 2013
I met Ann over 20 yrs ago. Not only was she a great journalist but she was a gifted singer. She used to come to my karaoke shows and I labeled her the girl with the golden voice. Rest in peace Ann you will always be remembered for all the kindness you shared and that wonderful smile...
Jimmy D
May 20, 2013
My deepest sympathies to your family. I knew Ann for many years while working at the North Haven Police Department. She was a fine person and a true professional. I appreciated the time she took to cover the many happenings in North Haven. She was especially kind during my own husbands illness and helped with spreading awareness before his death.
Debbie Pausig
May 20, 2013
Ann will be remembered as one of the best! My thoughts and prayers to the Dematteo Family during this difficult time.
In sympathy,
Andrea Torre
May 20, 2013
R.I.P. Ann. You and your columns will be missed.
Kimberly Carew
May 20, 2013
As a North Haven educator for many years I enjoyed numerous encounters with Ann. She loved to share a good story with her readers and wrote with integrity,genuine empathy and often just the right touch of humor. In 2010 Ann was honored by the North Haven High School Art Honor Society as an extraordinary role model for young people. She was presented with one of our group's healing shawls and graciously accepted with wonderfully inspiring words of wisdom. Thank you Ann from one among the countless hearts you touched in the NHHS community. May your family find comfort in the amazing life you lived.
Diana Blythe
May 20, 2013
I didn't know Ann only reading her column every week. She gave me the strength I neeeded when I found out I had breast cancer. May she rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to the family
Patti
May 20, 2013
I never really met you but I saw you in church. I too was diagnosed with breast cancer and am so far cancer free. I feel very sad to hear of your death. I read your column this Sunday and knew you were near death. Rest in Peace Ann.
May 20, 2013
Rest in peace Ann, your suffering is over. You leave behind a great legacy of courage, strength, determination, fairness and love.
Gerry Tobin
May 20, 2013
Ann was assigned to cover North Haven as one of her towns in the Metro section. We chatted countless times on the phone when she called about a crime that was being investigated and an arrest made. Ann was a wonderful person and always reported with best intentions and was well qualified in her position. I was greatly saddened today when I learned of her passing.
We both suffered from cancer in these later years and hoped she would survive and she certainly had the will power to do so.
Heartfelt regards to her family and direct friends knowing that Ann will live on in perhaps a better place.
George Hotton
May 20, 2013
God Bless and thank you for making me work harder and being a better person. Love my dear friend.
Nancy Torello
May 20, 2013
I have never met a more dedicated journalist. It was a pleasure to know her and work with her. May she rest in peace.
Ronald Smith
May 20, 2013
Saw Ann often when I worked for the Town of Hamden & later at the gym. She will be missed & remembered. Great gal!
Linda Anderson
May 20, 2013
My deepest Sympathy to the DeMatteo family. I knew Ann from the Old Wintergreen Avenue days and High School.
Ann was a 'Gem!' May her Spirit Soar!
Nancy (Braccidiferro) Kanner
Nancy Kanner
May 20, 2013
THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF YOU ANN, YOU WILL BE MISSED AND NEVER FORGOTTEN
KIM D'ANGELO
May 20, 2013
Ann was a great & courageuos person. I saw her often when I worked for the town of Hamden and later at the gym. She was a great help to my family when we thought my son was missing. She will be missed & remembered.
Anderson
May 20, 2013
Since our days in college, I've always been impressed at how Ann knew when to work hard, when to have fun, when to rush and when to slow down and connect with others. When someone wonderful passes, it's often said that touched so many. Ann really did, over and over and over. Rest in peace.
Karla Feuer
May 20, 2013
A lovely woman who inspired so many. I will never forget her kind and generous soul.
Joyce Logan
May 20, 2013
To Joe and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Please know that if you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Ban and Mary Ann Elcuri
Mary Ann Elcuri
May 20, 2013
May her spirit always be with us.
Dawn Parker
May 20, 2013
We shall all miss her very much as she was a great friend to all of us.
Alton Hudson
May 20, 2013
God opened his arms and said come home to me...your suffering has ended, I have made you free...your family behind I know you love...but someday you will see them here up above. God bless you and keep you all wrapped in his love. I have known Ann since high school and she will be missed.
Ann Gaetano DeSorbo
May 20, 2013
Weep Not For Me
Weep not for me though I am gone
Into the gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my souls sweet flight.
There is no need for tears.
I am at peace, my soul is at rest
There is no pain, I suffer not,
For with your love I was so blessed.
I am in a place of comfort
The fear now is gone.
Put those things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life
Most faithful God, lively is the courage of those who hope in you. Your servant Ann DeMatteo suffered greatly, but placed her trust in Your mercy. Confident that the petition of those who mourn pierces the clouds and finds an answer, we beg You, give rest to Ann DeMatteo. Do not remember her sins, but look upon her sufferings and grant her refreshment, light, and peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Alphonse Kronberg
May 20, 2013
Prayers to her family during this difficult time. She was a wonderful person.
Claudia Voight
May 20, 2013
To Ann's family:
I went to UB with Ann and was so happy to see her at the reunion. She was a wonderful reporter and a delightful individual with a beautiful smile. Please accept my deepest condolences and my heartfelt prayers.
Fondly, Valerie T. Intelisano
Valerie Intelisano
May 20, 2013
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.....MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL...I WOULD READ HER COLUMN EVERY SUNDAY....SHE WAS SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO ME....RIP...
JOANN (VOLLONO) PEARCE
May 20, 2013
I didn't know Ann personally, however I followed her through her columns. She bravely shared her unending battle with all of us...making us more aware that it can happen to us...not just everybody else. Rest in peace Ann...you will be missed.
Maria Ann Smith
May 20, 2013
Ann was such a trooper, so full of life; I can still hear her laugh! We were New Haven Register co-workers and she could get a story from anywhere! Loved by so many people, I know her spirit is soaring right now. Her loss is very poignant. Ann's life brought so many diverse people together. My heart is heavy, but I am blessed to have known her on this brief earthly journey. Fare well Ann R.I.P. and wishes of comfort for the DeMatteo family.
Sandra Glover
May 20, 2013
Ann fought the good fight.
God bless,
Sam of the Middletown Press
May 20, 2013
So sorry to hear of Ann's passing. I truly enjoyed her articles in the NHR. May she rest in the arms of the Lord. Condolences to the family.
Ann Donarumo
May 20, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Ann's passing. I had the opportunity to meet her and talk with her several times. She was always smiling and her words were always encouraging. She has had a great impact on so many people and I'm happy to have had the chance to know her.
Jaymie Bianca
May 20, 2013
I am so sorry to see this, I knew Ann through the music venue's she was always so positive. We are very sorry for your loss of someone who always had a friendly & kind spirit.
May 20, 2013
Ann was certainly one of a kind~ No one will ever be able to fill the shoes she left behind. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones. May you find peace in your memories. xo
Gail McCool
May 20, 2013
Ann was such a sweet girl back in our Hamden High days and I know her many friends and family will miss her and yet keep her close in their hearts always. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with Ann the last couple of years on facebook and was not surprised to learn of all she had accomplished over the years. I'll always remember her smile and her love of life and her giving nature.
Scott Humphrey
May 20, 2013
My condolences to the Dematteo family. Ann and I spent many evenings together at Planning and Zoning meetings. She was always well-informed on the issues and wrote an unbiased account of the content of the hearing. I will especially miss our latee night chats when the meeting's business was complete but her's had just begun to meet her publication deadline. She was always professional and charming, not an easy combination in her line of work.
Thank you Ann.
Bernard Pellegrino
May 20, 2013
Ann will be missed by all who knew her and loved her, especially her family; her smile would light up the halls of the Register when she walked them, She would always say Hi to me and she was always in a hurry.
Rest in peace forever and a Day Ann.
You will be missed by me a retired employee of the New Haven Register Classified Dept.
Roberta Surette
May 20, 2013
Ann was such a sweet girl back in our days at Hamden High and will be missed by so many. I was fortunate to reconnect with her online a couple of years ago and was not surprised to find she'd accomplished so much in her life. My condolences to all of her family and friends who surely will miss her yet still hold her close in their hearts always.
May 20, 2013
Dawn Parker
May 20, 2013
I am sorry to hear her passing. Amazing woman
Karen Thomas
May 20, 2013
My condolences to the Dematteo Family. Ann and I spent many an evening together at Planning and Zoning meetings. She was always well informed on the issues and provided her dedicated readership with an unbiased desciption of the content of the meetings. I enjoyed both my professional and personal dealings with Ann. She was always warm and charming. I will miss those late night chats when the meeting's business had ended but her's had just begun to meet her deadline.
Thank you Ann.
Bernard Pellegrino
May 20, 2013
Heartfelt sympathy to Ann's family. Ann was an intelligent, fun, and fair woman and I am so saddened by her passing.
Melinda Rising
May 20, 2013
My condolences to the family and friends of Ann.
Mike Devine
May 20, 2013
Your light will continue to shine through the work you did and the time you gave unselfishly. May you rest in peace. You will be missed.
Anne Barone D'Agostino
May 20, 2013
My prayers go out to the family of Ann Dematteo, she was a good person. I've known Ann for a lot of years. She will be missed.
Peter Murray
May 20, 2013
To the DeMattero Family,
Ann was one of the best reporters I've ever met. She was a great person to call when there was news to cover locally , she helped me bring awareness to the burial problem at the Hamden Plain's cemetery, and for that coverage, I'm extremely grateful to her. May God be with you in this time of sorrow, love jackie grant
jackie grant
May 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with Ann's family. She was truly an amazing women.
From Guerra/Dixon Family.
Linda Guerra
May 20, 2013
To Ann, I had never met you, but like many readers of your column, I feel I know you like a good friend. I laughed at times and cried at times....thought of you many times a week wondering how things were....a true inspiration to all....now an angel above for your niece and nephew...and continue your journey through the corridors of Yale as a guardian angel to cancer patients and the medical teams fighting for a cure....God Bless and my thoughts and prayers to Ann' entire family.
Beth
May 20, 2013
I am so sorry to read about your loss of Ann. I didn't know her personally but read her article every Sunday. Please be strong as she would want you to be. Again so sorry for your loss.
Janet Fleece
May 20, 2013
Enjoyed reading her columns. She was such an inspiration for her courage and fighting spirit.With deepest sympathy,Dottie
Dottie
May 20, 2013
I worked in North Haven with Ann For several years. I loved her no nonsense style, her quick wit. Ann was someone I admired.
Colleen Redmond Neleber
former
North Haven Post Staff writer
May 20, 2013
To The DeMatteo Family; when the times get hard,just remember Ann's spirit, fight and love for life. I looked forward to her words of wisdom every sunday. Prayers and thoughts to her family and host of loving friends.
paula giordano
May 20, 2013
Ann's life was so much more than just journalism but it is the part from which I know her best. I can't imagine covering a local story without her being there. More than one generation of reporters and readers will miss her....and my condolences to her family for their loss.
Steven Kalb
May 20, 2013
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Anthony & Norma Mello and Family Mello
May 20, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with the DeMatteo Family! She was a special person!
The Frandy Family
May 19, 2013
Deepest sympathy from The Iacobucci Family.
May 19, 2013
She was one of the only reasons to get the Sunday paper. Very sad news. At least she isn't suffering.
Anthony Esposito
May 19, 2013
My thoughts and prayers to Anne's family. We haven't been in touch since high school butshe was a good friend and person.
Karen Joseph Williams
May 19, 2013
To Ann's family and friends, though I never met her, I feel like I know her. She is a true inspiration and one courageous woman. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Cheryl Dziurgot
May 19, 2013
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