Gloria J. Afflitto

1935 - 2026

Gloria J. Afflitto
1935 - 2026
Kenna,WV
Gloria J. (O'Connell) Afflitto, age 90, died on January 30, 2026, at the home of her eldest son in Kenna, WV. Born in 1935 to Mildred H. (Marshall) and Thomas F. O'Connell, she spent her childhood on a small farm in Hinsdale, NH. She always had a story to tell about the animals her family kept, her long walks to school, and love of community. After graduating from the local high school in 1953, she moved to Springfield, MA. She met her husband at a USO dance and married on September 8, 1956, going on to raise three boys in Agawam, MA. Over the years, she worked as a lunch lady for the Agawam Public School District and a floor supervisor at Merriam-Webster. She volunteered at the Agawam Senior Center to help organize afternoon games of bingo in her retirement, and donated to charity as a regular parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church. She could reliably be found working on a new book of word search puzzles, enjoying a hot fudge sundae, and joining in the long-standing Irish tradition of giving out. When she wasn't at home, she often made a point to visit the beach in Maine-her favorite place on earth. But above all else, she appreciated every moment spent with her grandchildren. Predeceased by her older brother, Thomas R. O'Connell, and her husband of 48 years, Frank S. Afflitto, Jr., she leaves behind three sons, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Services will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 9:30-10:30 at Colonial Forastiere 985 Main Street Agawam. A liturgy of Christian burial will be held at 11:30AM at St. John the Evangelist Church, burial will follow at the Mass Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, Agawam. Memorial contributions in Gloria's name may be made to Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. For more details and to share condolences please visit www.forastiere.com.