Gloria Avignone

1930 - 2023

"Forward with knowledge, health and loyalty" was penned by Gloria as a teenager. Selected as the motto for Talcott Junior High School which she attended in West Hartford, those words underscored her values. One who took care of herself and enjoyed learning, Gloria valued family, friends and loved ones throughout her life.

The daughter of Erasmo and Girolama (Casale) Mascolo, Gloria was born Halloween Friday, October 31, 1930 just prior to her twin sister Rita. Growing up in the Elmwood section of West Hartford with sisters Genevieve and Millie and brothers Louis and Edward, the twins were a vivacious, fun-loving, and inseparable pair. After graduating from Hall High School, the twins attended Morse School of Business in Hartford.

An executive secretary for five years at Phoenix Insurance Company, Gloria changed jobs to Kennedy Peterson investment firm in Hartford. Arriving to work her first day, a tall, handsome, young broker opened the door for her and introduced himself as John Avignone. After several months of courtship, they eloped, later settled in Wethersfield, and remained faithfully devoted to each other for 60 years.

Gloria and John raised four children: Larry, Philip, Johnny, and Aimee. The Avignones enjoyed summers at Martha's Vineyard and Westerly, Rhode Island. In addition to hosting many visits at their summer homes, John and Gloria enjoyed golf, dining out, and vacations with family and many friends. Longtime members of Wethersfield Country Club, in retirement Gloria and John lived in West Palm Beach, Florida; they were grandparents to six grandchildren.

After John died in August 2017, Gloria continued living at her Brookdale apartment in West Hartford. She enjoyed her independence, care-free living, many friends, and daily activities including set back, poker, and Scrabble. A devout Catholic, she prayed the rosary regularly and watched mass daily on TV. Gloria was known among her fellow residents for her smile, warmth, and upbeat way.

Just after the new year Gloria was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Knowing she had lived a long, blessed life, she was content to die a good death – quickly and painlessly in the comfort of her home with her family at her side on Saturday evening, February 11th. Her children are grateful for their mother's comfort and care, the time shared in the last five weeks of her life, and knowing Mom is reunited with her beloved siblings– including five year-old brother Joseph who died of scarlet fever – as well as her parents, many friends, and their dear, feisty Dad. Gloria's children express heartfelt thanks to her Brookdale community of friends and all staff; Janine Wilcox APRN and Susie Springer RN of Brookdale at Home; McLean Hospice; and CNAs Janet and Gladys of Your Family Home Care for warmly tending to Mom in her final weeks.

Gloria is survived by her four children: Larry of Manchester, PA; Phil and Sil and sons Joseph, Jeremy, Derek of Dracut, MA; John of West Hartford; Aimee and Jim and children Jude, Cole and Sena of Birmingham, AL; beloved sister-in-law JoAnn Mascolo of Jupiter FL; many nephews and nieces; and dear friends made throughout her life.

A celebration of life and service with communion will take place Friday, March 31 at 11:00 am at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Avenue, Hartford. (To watch the service via livestream, visit https://www.ahcc.org/live-streaming/) Burial will be private. Newington Memorial has care of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greater Grace Church, 110 Meeting House Rd, Manchester PA 17345 where son Larry is senior pastor, or to CONCORA – the professional choir John manages – at www.concora.org.