Pauline DiChiara

Mrs. Pauline (Pettinicchi) DiChiara, age 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, December 12, 2025 in the comfort of her own home. She was the devoted wife of the late Rocco J. DiChiara.

Born in Waterbury on May 4, 1929, Pauline was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Luisa (Pettinicchi) Pettinicchi. She was a graduate of Waterbury Catholic High School and the Kaynor Technical School of Nursing and later received her certification in long-term care administration. Along with her sisters and her daughters, Pauline helped operate the family-owned East End Convalescent Home for more than 35 years. A dedicated advocate for the elderly, she devoted herself to the well-being of those in her care, always looking out for her residents with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Following her retirement, Pauline enjoyed traveling extensively with her husband, Rocco, and was rarely seen without her sisters or her daughters by her side, whether sharing lunch, shopping together, or enjoying day trips. She cared lovingly for her grandchildren as they grew up, and she was an avid reader.

Along with her husband, Pauline was a longtime parishioner of St. Leo the Great Church and a devoted member of St. Leo's Ladies Guild. Quiet and unassuming, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life and was deeply compassionate toward both people and animals. Pauline had a special love for animals, often ensuring those in need found safe and loving homes. She generously gave of her time as a volunteer for the City of Waterbury during election season and supported the American Cancer Society through its annual daffodil fundraising efforts.

Pauline leaves behind her beloved daughters, Judith Ann (John) DiGiovanna of Waterbury, Cynthia Marie (DiLeo) Litin of Waterbury and Christine Holly (Robert) Ruey of Southington; her grandchildren, David (Sara) DiGiovanna of Waterbury, Mark (Lisa) DiGiovanna of Prospect, Michael (Urszula) DiLeo of Plymouth and Daniel (Lindsey) DiLeo of Woodbine, GA. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Mathieu, Justin, Bryce, Avery, Liam, Luca and Leo, her sister Grace Ducharme of Waterbury, and her brother-in-law Michael Nardoia as well as several nieces and nephews. In addition to Rocco, her beloved husband of 70 years, Pauline was predeceased by her sisters Elvira "Hilda" Moreau and Francis Nardoia.

Pauline's family would like to thank Dr. Jega and his staff, especially Kerri and the AccentCare Hospice team for their compassion and exceptional care shown to Pauline and their family.

Pauline's funeral will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 10:00am from Maiorano Funeral Home, 95 Willow St., Waterbury to St. Leo the Great Church, 14 Bentwood Dr., Waterbury at 11:00am. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday evening from 5:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Pauline's name may be made to: Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23453 or online at operationsmile.org. To sign the online guestbook or to leave online condolences please visit maioranofuneralhome.com.