Michaelina P. "Mitzie" Mainelt

Proud WWII Navy Nurse

Michaelina "Mitzie" P. (Pizzuto) Meinelt, age 102, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, at River Glen Health Care Center in Southbury on Thursday, November 27, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Carl W. Meinelt, Sr.

Born in Waterbury on July 8, 1923, Mitzie was the daughter of the late Joseph and Madeline (Caruso) (Pizzuto) DelBuono and Anthony DelBuono. She was a graduate of St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing and, after graduation, entered the U.S. Navy. A proud Navy veteran, LTJG Mitzie Pizzuto served during World War II as a Registered Nurse. While serving at Chelsea Naval Hospital in Boston, MA, she met the love of her life, Carl, who was recuperating there after being wounded in the war. Mitzie cared for him throughout his two-year recovery, and their bond grew into a lifelong love. After their marriage, they returned to Connecticut to begin their life together.

Mitzie and Carl divided their time between homes in Waterbury and on Cobbett's Pond in Windham, New Hampshire. Mitzie enjoyed reading a good book and knitting. She never met a Scrabble game without her dictionary present.

Mitzie is survived by several nieces and nephews to whom she was especially close. In addition to her beloved husband Carl W. Meinelt, Sr. and son, Carl W. Meinelt, Jr., she was predeceased by her brothers Francis "Frankie" Pizzuto and Anthony "Del" DelBuono and her sisters Theresa Flynn and Pasqualina "Lina" Palladino.

Mitzie's family would like to thank her caregivers throughout the years at the Village at East Farms and River Glen Health Care Center, her personal caregivers Sumintra and Sanwatie, and her hospice team at AccentCare.

Mitzie's funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 5, 2025 at 10:00am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 785 Highland Ave., Waterbury. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions in Mitzie's name may be made to: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 785 Highland Ave., Waterbury, CT 06708 or to Disabled American Veterans, 555 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111 or online at help.DAV.org. To sign the online guestbook or to leave online condolences for the family, please visit maioranofuneralhome.com.