MONTESANTO, MARY CELIA RICCIO Mary Celia Riccio Montesanto, 76, of Branford, passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was the wife of the late Anthony Montesanto. Mary was born in New Haven on September 30, 1940 to the late Anthony and Mary Mayeski Riccio. She worked for 34 years for the Town of East Haven and the Board of Education as a school teacher at both Momauguin and Hayes School until finally retiring in 1996. She enjoyed dancing, socializing with friends and trips to the casino, as well as a New York Yankee and UCONN Basketball fan. She is survived by a sister Shirley Schlottman and her husband Ralph, nephews Ralph, Lance and Keith (Kimberly) Schlottman all of East Haven, nieces Kylie and Samantha Schlottman and a step-niece Caitlyn Jones. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors of Smilow Cancer Center Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital for being so compassionate and giving such excellent care and making her last days comfortable. Burial services will be private and at the convenience of the family. The East Haven Memorial Longobardi-Brennan Funeral Home, 425 Main St., East Haven, 203-467-1708, is in charge of arrangements. Please visit Mary’s web page at easthavenmemorial.com and sign her guest book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register from Oct. 10 to Oct. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for MARY MONTESANTO

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October 16, 2016

Sad to hear of Mary passing. She was a strong woman and a great classmate. Fond memories. Rest in peace Mary.
Celia (Neumann) Lenkiewicz

George Scharf

October 16, 2016

Mary always had a Smile and Hello every time we crossed paths in High School. Mary will be missed by all of us in the Class of 58.

October 15, 2016

Thank you, Miss Riccio, for your dedication to and high expectations of your students. Rest in peace.

Jennifer Palmer

October 13, 2016

Thank you for being an inspiration and symbol of strength and hope

Santha Martin

October 13, 2016

Very sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She had a smile that could light up a room. Her experience, strength and hope were so inspiring to me, and many others, over the years. Sending love and prayers to her family.

Elissa Ruby D'Onofrio

October 12, 2016

Like so many others, Miss Riccio was my favorite teacher. 4th grade was a long time ago, but a year filled with fun, hard work and a memories due to the dedicated, inspirational teacher she was. Mary touched so many lives and influenced our future by doing something she loved, teaching. I kept in touch with her long into adulthood and had the pleasure of meeting with her many years later with my son when he was in 4th grade. Rest in peace, dear Miss Riccio. You were loved and admired by so many students; you will not be forgotten.

Dawn Squires

October 12, 2016

So sorry to hear this loss, I remember her from Hayes school. She will be sadly missed.

Gina Apicella-McNew

October 12, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Riccio as she was one of my favorite teachers. I wanted to take a moment to post here in hopes her family members might read this. I learned of her passing from a post on FB from a former neighbor and what has since spilled out on that thread has been amazing. I guess none of us ever knows the legacy we will leave behind as in that's not why we get up every day. But Mrs. Riccio...I hope you know, I wish you could see how memories of you have brought forth wonderful, conversations and 'reunions'in so many of us who knew you as 4th graders. You impacted our lives in ways you could have never known. May God rest your soul. May he also bring peace and strength to your family. Thank you for having been such a special part of my life. xoxo

Ted Arabolos

October 12, 2016

Mary: Your happy spirit, wonderful energy, and beautiful smile have remained with me for all these many years. It was a privilege to have been your classmate. You were special.
Teddy "58"

Barbara (Luzzi) Bellucci

October 12, 2016

I was so lucky to have had Miss Riccio as my 3rd grade teacher at Hayes. She was a gifted educator - inspired so many students to do their best! We remained in touch for many years - I can still hear her voice and see her smile! Amazing to think of how many lives she touched - may she Rest In Peace!

Larry King

October 12, 2016

It was with deep sorrow that I received notification of Mary's passing. My condolences to the Montesanto and Riccio families. Mary and I went through classes together from First Grade In Tuttle Elementary to graduation at East Haven High School in 1958. She was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Carol Hunter

October 12, 2016

Remembering the times we shared on April vacations, going to the islands to get a start on our summer tans--will miss your wonderful smile and sparkling personality.
May you Rest In Peace.

Linda (Smereczynsky) Montagna

October 12, 2016

My sincere condolences to Miss Riccio's family and friends. Miss Riccio was my teacher at Hayes School and she was my favorite of all. Years later, as an adult, I ran into her at the deli/store on Hemmingway Avenue and she remembered me! Called me by name when I said hello. Very sorry for your loss.

October 12, 2016

Shirley and Ralph I am so sorry to hear about Mary "Toots",I will always remember her at Beacon Ave with Cookie laughing and fooling around and me aggravating them!Love you Toots,God Bless you,love Jackie.

Diane Wilson

October 12, 2016

I was so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She often substituted for me in my special needs classroom in East Haven. She always told me how much she enjoyed working with my students in small groups. I always knew that when Mary was subbing my students would be in good hands. I send my sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
Diane Wilson

Mark Cretela

October 12, 2016

Very sad day. Miss Riccio was my favorite teacher at Hayes School. Fourth grade was filled with wonder and adventure she inspired us all. Peace

Janis Ardito

October 12, 2016

Although I didn't have Miss Riccio when I was a student at Hayes School, I do remember her as being a vibrant lovely lady. I used to see her at the New Haven Blades hockey games (man years ago), and she would always smile and say hello. She was a pure example of what "great" teachers are. May she RIP. To her family, I am deeply sorry for your loss.

Brad Smith

October 12, 2016

It's been 50 years, but I will forever remember my you as my teacher. You are remembered and will live forever.- Brad Smith

Michele Platt

October 11, 2016

Our family is sad to hear about Mary. She was a part of our life through important milestones and celebrated many happy events through the years with us. She is now with my Dad and her parents. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time and sending many blessings to all that were part of her life. Especially, her sister, brother-in-law and nephews. With Sympathy <3 The Platt family

John Green

October 11, 2016

May God bless Mary, her family, friends and many former students. May the peace of Christ be with you always Mary.

Gregory Thompson

October 11, 2016

Miss Riccio was my teacher in Hayes School. I always enjoyed her class and she was a GREAT teacher. We needed more like her. My prayers go to the family.

Kathy Savino Raveneau

October 11, 2016

I was so sad to read this. Miss Riccio was my 4th grade teacher at Hays School and always my favorite. I think she was everyone's favorite, both my brother and sister had her for a teacher as well. She touched so many lives and in a very positive way. I hope she knows how much she meant to so many young & impressionable kids. She was loved & will live on in our fond childhood memories. Rest in peace.

Doreen Marino

October 11, 2016

So sorry to hear of Mrs. Montesantos passing. Such a sweet lady and I enjoyed working with her at Momauguin. Condolences to her family.

Sylvia DePalma

October 11, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the Mary Riccio Montesanto family on the death of a very special family member. I taught with Mary for many years at Hayes school and then in different schools subbing after we retired.
She will be missed.

Robyn Healy Jenkins

October 11, 2016

I didn't appreciate what a wonderful woman "Miss Riccio" was until after getting out of 4th grade. In meeting up with her in my adult years, she was always so warm, kind and caring. I am glad my own daughter got to meet her, as I was able to introduce her as one of the best teachers I've ever had. My sympathies and prayers are with you all.

Roberta Monaco

October 11, 2016

God bless you Mary. I have many, many fond memories of our childhood together--we shared many laughs and secrets. I will always remember and pray for you, my friend.

Elizabeth Zalonski

October 11, 2016

Mary,
I was so fortunate to be in high school with you in the E.H.H.S. class of 1958. I remember what a great cheerleader you were as well as a great student. I was fortunate to be able to have some lunches with you at Doody's and reconnect after many years as I have lived in Wallingford since 1962. God speed Mary! LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, BETTY

Richard / Ann Kross

October 11, 2016

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Patty Giaimo Gambardella

October 11, 2016

I was deeply saddened to read of Mary's passing. I have so many fond memories of our 9 years teaching across the hall from each other at Hays School and, subsequently, seeing her over the years when she substituted at Ferrara School. Back in our "hay day," we enjoyed many evenings socializing and Mary was always "the life of the party." She will be missed by all of her East Haven friends and family. May she rest in peace.

October 11, 2016

We were saddened to read of Mary's passing. May she now rest in peace after such a long hard struggle.

Mike and Linda Montesanto

Judy Mautte

October 11, 2016

Mary, my best friend. We had so much fun together over the years. Thank you for always being there for me with a smile and good advice. I'll miss your smile and all the fun times we had . Now you are at peace and with all your loved ones who went before you and were waiting for your return to the Lord. Rest In Peace

Michele Listro Andree

October 11, 2016

"Miss Riccio" was my 4th grade teacher at Hayes School back in the seventies. She was my favorite teacher and to this day, I still think of her often. She was so kind to me and did great things for my confidence. I truly think she changed my life. There is no better legacy that a teacher can leave than that. Rest In Peace, Miss Riccio. I will never forget you.

John Grieco

October 11, 2016

Mary was a wonderful friend to so many of her East Haven classmates. She was kind to all and an East Haven loyalist, terrific dancer & wonderful teacher. She will be missed by many.

Pattie and Sam Bello

October 11, 2016

Remembering a former colleague, a great teacher, and a caring individual. We never met her when she did not have a story or a laugh to share. RIP Condolences to the family. Pattie and Sam Bello

Joann amento Esposito

October 11, 2016

With heavy heart i send my love, so sorry for your loss. Love Joann amento esposito

Cookie Acampora

October 10, 2016

Oh Mary....I cannot believe you are gone. I remember the days when we were both teaching, going to the hockey games together, going out to eat and just doing so much laughing. Well, now you can laugh again, smile that beautiful smile and be with Tony and all the family. God be with you. Now you can rest Mary! Love you....
Cookie

Robert Trotta

October 10, 2016

To the Monsanto Family-

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I always remember Mary as a smiling and happy person whenever I would see her at meetings. May she rest in peace.

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