Connie Garofalo Drega

Connie Garofalo Drega
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mrs. Connie Garofalo Drega of Rockfall, CT. She spent the last year and a half being lovingly cared for by Apple Rehab in Middletown. She was the widow of Stanley Drega, who passed in 1979. She is survived by her nephew, Gary Garofalo and wife, Sally; her nephew, Glenn Garofalo, and wife Sue; her great-nephew, Robert Garofalo and wife Alaynna; and her great-nephew, Matt Garofalo and fiancée, Hayley. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Rose Klick; her niece, Diane Drega Mendez and husband Luis; her niece, Gail Drega Price and her husband David; and a host of Garofalo and Greco cousins. She was the daughter of the late Antonio and Josephine Greco Garofalo. She was predeceased by her brother, Sari Garofalo and wife, Lucille; her two brothers, Joe and Bobby; her best friend ever, Ruth Rose Kowalski; and her cherished nephew, David Cekala, who fixed everything for her and baked a mean cake! She was also a faithful parishioner of St. Colman's Church in Middlefield. She leaves her circle of friends from the Middlefield Democratic Party and from her many years at Zygo.
She started at age 17 at the W. T. Grant Dept. Store on Main Street, Middletown. Under her watch and watchful eyes, all bills were paid, all accounts were settled and nothing was ever shoplifted! She WAS the eye in the sky! She volunteered many countless hours to her community. She was never home! Every fall you could find her manning the Potato Booth at the Durham Fair for her beloved M.D.P. In 1997, she received the prestigious Ella Grasso Volunteer Award at a huge gala at the Aqua Turf. Aunt Connie had her army of helpers for many years; David, Diane, Glenn, Nancy and Luis solved each and every problem. Connie was very lucky to have two "angels" come into her life. Janet became her sidekick, caregiver, confidant, driver and lunch partner. Pizza night is officially cancelled! Nancy took great care of her and was the "daughter she never had". We will always be indebted to Nancy Davidson for her love and compassion!
On a personal note, she was my aunt, my Dad's only sister and my Godmother. She was Aunt Connie from Rockfall because I was fortunate to have two Aunt Connies for most of my life. When I first learned to talk, my first words were Mommy, Daddy and Rockfall! She contracted Scarlet Fever at age 10 and lived to over 97 years old. A very remarkable life for a very, very remarkable woman! Until we meet again, I will have your crossword puzzle book, your hearing aid charger and a hotdog from Guida's with mustard and onions.
There will be a gravesite service only on Monday, 8/12/24, 1:00 p.m. at St. Sebastian Cemetery on Peters Lane, Middlefield. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. D'Angelo's Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.