Thomas "Pop" Cretella

Thomas "Pop" Cretella, 89 of North Branford peacefully passed away May 18, 2025 at The Regency House in Wallingford. He was born June 16, 1935 in New Haven to Thomas and Maria (Paolillo) Cretella. Thomas is survived by his loving and devoted daughter, Laura Carbone, her husband Joseph of North Branford and two grandchildren he adored, Kevin Tressel, wife Amber, and Amanda Tressel. He also leaves behind his beloved four legged companion Lucy.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, his longtime friend, companion and partner, Alice Hill and his two siblings, Dominick Cretella and Luisa Robinson.
Tom was a proud US Army and Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War with 14 years of service, Honorably Discharge as a disabled American Veteran. He retired from the GE Company. He served as HVAC Department Head at Technical Career Institute and Baran Institute of Technology. Tom enjoyed reading, cooking, UCONN Women's Basketball, going to the casino, and the NY Giants. Nothing made Thomas happier than spending time with his family, they were the "light of his life" and he was honored to be known as "Pop" to all.
His family would like to thank Dr. Mehran Pouresmail, his primary care doctor at the West Haven VA Hospital and the staff at The Regency House for his wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his honor to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Tree Rd, Branford, CT 06405.
Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a graveside service with Full Military Honors on Saturday May 31, 2025 at 11:30AM at St. Agnes Cemetery, 295 East Main Street, Branford CT 06405 please meet at the cemetery office prior to the service. All services are under the care of the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven CT. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas "Pop", please visit our Tree Store.