Obituary published on Legacy.com by John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, Inc. on Oct. 1, 2025.
Judith D'Angelo Iovanna, 80, passed peacefully into another dimension, surrounded by her loving family who helped her make her transition. Born in New Haven on February 23, 1945, she was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Possidente) D'Angelo. She shared 59 wonderful years with her husband, Michael, who always encouraged her to follow her dreams.
Judy's life was vibrant and full. At 14, she began working at the New Haven Public Library while attending Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, CT. After graduating, she trained at St. Raphael's School of Radiology Technology, becoming a Registered Radiology Technologist. Later, she pursued her passion for music, earning degrees and serving as an instrumental music teacher in the Southington School System for 24 years. A gifted clarinetist, Judy was principal clarinetist for the Cheshire Symphony Orchestra and performed with the SCSU Summer Pops, Meriden City Band, Northwestern Community Band, and John Obion Jazz Band. She also served as business manager and assistant conductor for the Meriden City Band. Her musical arrangements were performed by the Cheshire Symphony Orchestra, Northwestern Community Band, and the Meriden Senior Center's "Young at Heart Ensemble," for which she wrote and played music.
Judy's creativity extended beyond music. She authored three children's books with the theme "Just Believe," hosted a weekly cable TV program, "From the Intuitive Side," for six years, and taught yoga for Meriden Adult Education for 14 years. As a Reiki Master, she shared her holistic wisdom. Her "Lunch and Listen" program earned her the Celebration of Excellence award, reflecting her commitment to community and connection.
In addition to her devoted husband, Michael, Judy leaves behind her sons, who were the light of her life: Steven and his wife, Beth, and Matthew and his wife, April; her beloved grandchildren, James and Isabel; and step-grandsons, Tyler, Marshall, and Cole. Judy is also survived by her sister, Rita DeMayo; brothers, Michael and his wife, Marie, John and his wife, Laura, James and his late wife, Pamela, and Edward and his wife, Joanne; and adopted sisters, Lori Avitabile, Marie Guest, and Patty Fournier-Perno, along with many relatives, dear friends, and her loyal canine companion, Lew.
Judy wished for her life to be celebrated. She leaves this message: "I am with you when you look for me in the spring bloom. Listen for me in the whisper of the breeze and think of me when the sun caresses your face. Enjoy the fresh scent of the bloom, dance with the breeze, and laugh in the rain; and when you do, I am with you. This is my gift to you."
Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, at Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish, Holy Angels Campus, 585 Main St.,
Meriden, CT 06451. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 9:00 AM. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will follow at Saint Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Ave, West Haven, CT 06516.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be may to John Nerden JRTC Camp, 89 Powder Hill Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455 or
The Parkinson's Foundation of New England, online at www.parkinson.org.
For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.
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