Gilda D'Antonio

1925 - 2025

Gilda D'Antonio, 100, of Wethersfield, CT beloved wife of the late Alberto D'Antonio passed away in her sleep Saturday, October 11, 2025 at home. Gilda was born in Capestrano, Italy province of L’Aquila and was the daughter of the late Carlo and Adelia (Spera) Santini.
Gilda leaves two sons: Ed and Mirella (Pace) D’Antonio and Angelo Paul D’Antonio all residing in Wethersfield; a granddaughter Melissa D’Antonio and partner Mark Salvesen of Torrington, a grandson Michael Albert D’Antonio of Wethersfield. She was predeceased by two infant sons, Angelo and Paul D’Antonio along with her sister and brother in Italy. In addition, she also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Italy.
As a young, married woman with a two year old son in her arms, she bravely faced a new world, the United States, when she arrived at Ellis Island aboard the Andrea Doria. Leaving behind her familiar surroundings of Capestrano and stepping into the unknown with courage, faith and determination, her love for her family was somehow more than enough to keep her committed. Her strength was amazing.
In America, she settled in Hartford to build a life rooted in hard work, faith and devotion. Though the language and customs were unfamiliar her warmth and determination quickly won over those around her. She poured her heart and soul into creating a home that was filled with the aroma of Italian cooking, Italian phrases, and the values of kindness and perseverance. As her cousin Fonzi said,
“All of us first generation Americans- owe everything for the Blessings we now have” Amen. Gilda had a way of making everyone feel welcome whether through a meal, a kind word, or a simple smile.
Through every challenge, she never complained about being tired or afraid. She was the Eveready Bunny. Her work ethic was relentless. She was a machinist at various companies Olivetti Underwood, Royal, Atrax Tool and Die and Emhart. How often do you see someone retire at age 59? Her hands were never idle: they were hands that worked hard,cared deeply and comforted many.
Gilda’s faith in God was her compass. She faced life’s challenges with quiet strength and gratitude, always trusting God. Gilda was a communicant of Incarnation Church and a member of St. Patrick’s and St Anthony’s Women's Club.
Her real passion was her devotion and love for her family especially her two prized grandchildren, Melissa and Michael. She shared many memorable moments instilling valuable life lessons. Gilda was a fantastic cook, loved gardening,
babysitting and knitting. Many family members and friends were blessed with her knitted items for newborns, blankets and much more. Her meals on Sunday and the Holidays will be greatly missed especially her homemade pizza, ravioli, manicotti and eggplant parm and famous pizzelle.
At 100 years of age, she outlived President Carter and Queen Elizabeth of England. When speaking to her doctors, she would always say “I am in God’s hands. When the time comes I will be ready but not yet”. Then with a smile, she would say, “You know that my uncle Teodoro Spera on my mom’s side reached 107”!
During the past 3 -plus challenging years, she accepted her limited mobility and was always gracious and thankful for still being able to see her family and friends.
Though we will miss her deeply, we find comfort in knowing that she lived her life fully and faithfully. She has now gone home to rest in peace, in the loving arms of the Lord, reunited with her family.
So we celebrate her life as a special blessing. We thank the Lord for the gift of her 100 beautiful years and she will guide us to carry forward the love, kindness and faith that she taught all of us.
Rest peacefully, Dear Mother, Your Love will forever be in our hearts.
Special thanks to the many angels on earth that cared for Gilda: her health aides Hermi Drummond, Judy Lattore-Thornton and Sherrol Brooks; Hartford HealthCare Wound Care Center; Neighbors Tammie and Paul Dube, Margie and Allan Mancini, Diane and Mike Chaffin; Caregiver and companion Marie D’Attilio; Evandro and Lois Santini; Ivana Cieri; God Daughter Diana DiBacco and husband Luciano DiBacco and countless others who loved her and stopped in or called to brighten her day.
Funeral service for Gilda will be held Monday, October 20, 2025 at 12pm at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield, CT. Burial will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery Mausoleum, Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield, CT Monday from 9:30am to 11:30am. To share a memory of Gilda, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com