Carmelina Costantini

Carmelina (Grilli) Costantini, 88, beloved mother and devoted Nonna, of Plainville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Bristol Hospital, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. She is now joyfully reunited with her husband of 50 years, the late Bruno Costantini, who predeceased her in 2010.

Born on July 14, 1937, in Ortona, Italy, Carmelina was one of seven children born to the late Maria Grazia Serafini and Umberto Grilli. Her life was a testament to resilience, creativity, and unwavering faith. As a young woman, she left school to learn the trade of seamstress in order to support her family-an act of quiet sacrifice that would shape her life's path. Through dedication and natural artistry, she became a master of her craft, creating garments of extraordinary beauty and precision. With needle and thread, Carmelina could bring any dream to life, including the wedding gowns she lovingly designed for family and friends.

Through the grace of mutual acquaintances-and a hint of destiny-Carmelina met her soulmate, Bruno. They married in 1959 and began a partnership marked by devotion, joy, and deep mutual respect. Together, they built a home in which kindness and love were always in abundance, raising four children whose hearts remain forever shaped by their parents' example.

In 1977, Carmelina and Bruno courageously immigrated to the United States with their family, settling in Connecticut, where Carmelina continued her craft as a talented seamstress at The Strouse-Adler Company in New Haven. Her meticulous skill and quiet strength helped anchor her family as they embraced their new life.

Upon their retirement, Carmelina and Bruno returned to Italy, fulfilling a shared dream of reconnecting with their roots. Their seven years there were filled with laughter, stories, and the simple beauty of familiar landscapes. They returned to the United States in 2010, drawn back by the closeness of their growing family. This time together proved especially meaningful as Bruno faced health challenges, surrounded by the care and devotion that had always defined their family.

Carmelina will be forever remembered for her extraordinary generosity in the kitchen. Whether baking, cooking, or arriving at a gathering with treats in hand, she poured love into every dish she prepared. Her table was the heart of countless celebrations, where her family was nourished not only by food but by her warmth, humor, and unmistakable sparkle. Her mischievous laugh-bright, contagious, and full of life-had the power to lift spirits and remind those around her of life's simple joys.

A woman of profound faith, Carmelina found comfort and strength in her religious devotion. Each Sunday, she could be found faithfully watching Mass from St. Peter's Basilica, her eyes reflecting deep reverence. Her daily prayers-spoken with passion and conviction-were an enduring expression of her belief in God's grace.

Carmelina leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and laughter that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be missed beyond measure.

She is survived by her four children: Marco (Steffen), Paola, Maurizio (Kristen), and Fabio (Alex); her eleven grandchildren: Marco (Nicole), Sam, Luca, Joshua, Lia, Michael (Chelsea), Daniel (Jessica), Nicholas (Kendal), Allesandra (Shawn), Kristofer, and Luciano; as well as many treasured relatives and friends in Italy, Argentina, and the United States. She was predeceased by her siblings, Ernani, Rocco, Gian Carlo, Antonina, Rocco, and Berta Mirella, along with many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews in both the U.S. and Italy.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. from Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad Street, Plainville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave., Forestville. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Relatives and friends may gather on Friday, December 5, from 5–7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Carmelina's name may be made to PAWS Rescue League, 515 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 2250, Middletown, CT 06457 (pawsrescueleague.org), or to the Saint Anthony Society c/o Our Lady of Mercy Church, 19 S. Canal Street, Plainville, CT 06062 (olmct.org). For online expressions of sympathy, please visit PlainvilleFuneralHome.com.