Elaine Rose Sportelli

BRISTOL

It is with sorrow and love that we share the news of the passing of Elaine Rose Sportelli, who passed peacefully in hospice care on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by family in her final days. She is survived by her sister Phyllis English, her daughter Jayne Sportelli, her son Paul Sportelli, her son-in law Richard Dillon, and her son's partner Jay Turvey. Elaine was born in Bristol on November 27, 1931, and lived most of her life in Bristol. She was the wife of Matthew Sportelli, and the daughter of Antoinette and Guy English, all of whom pre-deceased her. Matthew and Elaine were married in 1955, and happily celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on August 6, 2022, before Matthew's passing later that year. Elaine attended Bristol High School as well as Teachers College of Connecticut. Elaine taught in the Bristol Public School system for decades, eventually settling into teaching kindergarten, where she ignited the imaginations of countless young people. Elaine was a talented actor and singer, appearing in many leading roles in community theatre productions over the decades, most notably with Bristol Civic Theatre. She was a dynamic, social person with a wide circle of friends that included the arts and education communities and was a voracious reader with a deep love of books. Elaine was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, teacher and friend. She will be greatly missed and always remembered. All services for Elaine will be held privately. In remembrance of Elaine, you can make a donation to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Please visit Elaine's memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol, CT 06010, is honored to be assisting Elaine's family during this difficult time.

Elaine Rose Sportelli