Carol Gianelli

1939 - 2025

Carol Gianelli
May 27, 2025
Carol K. Gianelli, 86, of Wallingford, CT, passed away on May 27 from Alzheimer's, a disease she fought valiantly until her last breath.
Born in New Haven, CT on January 22, 1939 to the late Frank and Catherine Klotzberger, Carol and her husband Joseph A. Gianelli recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. Carol was the beloved mother to Leslie Gianelli and Jeffrey Gianelli, grandmother to Timothy Gianelli, Jake Gianelli (Taylor) and Eva Hust (Jeremiah), and great-grandmother to Emma and Tucker Hust and Gentry Gianelli. She leaves behind her sister Frances Acquarulo, sister-in-law Lauren Martens (Arnold) and many adored nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister Joan Finaldi and brothers-in-law Adam Acquarulo and Dr. Arnold Finaldi.
Carol graduated with a degree in art history from Bay Path College, where she was known on campus as a classic beauty, claiming local pageant wins. She later modeled professionally, and ultimately settled into motherhood and a career in college admissions. Carol was a quick study and good at most everything she tried. Soon after taking up golf, she won the Ladies Nine-Hole Championship at Race Brook Country Club. After learning to quilt as a retirement project, she produced stunning works of art, meticulously hand quilted, which she loved gifting to family and friends. Her innate talent and passion for sewing, knitting, drawing, painting and needle crafts leaves a legacy of beauty that will live on for generations.
The Gianelli family thanks neighbor Mark Vandenberg for being so devoted to Carol throughout the course of her illness, and the staff of Skyview Rehab and Nursing who cared for Carol in her final months.
Visiting hours will be Monday, June 2 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, North Haven, CT. In lieu of flowers, please remember Carol with a smile and look for the art and beauty in the world around you.