Barbara Ann Accetura

1937 - 2025

Barbara Ann Accetura
"Beloved mother, grandmother & great grandmother"
Barbara Ann Accetura, 88, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, after a valiant fight against Alzheimer's. She was surrounded by her devoted family as she was welcomed into heaven with open arms by the Lord.
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, where she lived most of her life, Barbara was the cherished daughter of the late John Francis and Justine Amelia (Valerio) Accetura. She was a proud graduate of the Webster School and Waterbury Catholic High School.
Barbara's life was anchored by her profound devotion to family, faith and friends, particularly her three daughters, four grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. A fervent New York Yankees fan, her passion for the team sparked in childhood when her father and her attended the perfect game pitched by the iconic Don Larsen in game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers (a feat yet to be matched). Barbara also found joy in her culinary artistry, mastering Italian cuisine with dishes like her legendary meatballs, a recipe her family tried but could never replicate, leaving it as a treasured, inimitable legacy.
With a lively and warm personality, Barbara shone as a beloved waitress in Waterbury, serving at the Espresso Restaurant in the former Naugatuck Valley Mall and the renowned 1249 West restaurant on West Main Street. At the 1249, she proudly recalled serving Yankee greats Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin and Whitey Ford, her charm and hospitality leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. In the later stages of her career, Barbara served as a dedicated customer service representative at Webster Bank, where she continued to share her warmth with the community for several years.
In the late 1960s, Barbara faced the formidable challenge of raising her daughters alone as a single mother, a role far less common in that era. Undeterred by social conventions, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, steadfastly keeping her family united in their modest ranch-style home on Hill Street. Barbara achieved this through her faith and unwavering determination, balancing multiple jobs while leaning on the invaluable support of family, friends, and neighbors. Of particular note was the steadfast kindness of her next-door neighbors, Rita and the late Bruce Poulter, to whom she remained forever grateful.
Barbara is survived by her loving daughters, Christine Longo and her husband Peter of Morris, CT, Marcia Blaylock of Litchfield, CT and Kara Sciarretto of Naples, FL, who will forever cherish her memory. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Peter and Lindsay Longo, Jenna Longo and Scott Grossnickle, Nicholas Blaylock, and Noah Blaylock, as well as her adored great-grandchildren, Thomas Peter Longo and Anne Elizabeth Longo.
Barbara's warmth extended to numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will hold her memory dear. In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by her brothers, Francis and Joseph Accetura, and her infant daughter, Mary Beth, who passed at birth.
Arrangements: Chase Parkway Memorial, The Albini Family Funeral Home, 430 Chase Parkway, Waterbury, CT and Fuller East Funeral Home of Naples, FL, have been entrusted with handling Barbara's funeral arrangements. Barbara's funeral will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 8:45 a.m. at Chase Parkway Memorial, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Waterbury. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury. Calling hours will be held on Monday, October 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Chase Parkway Memorial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Barbara's memory to an organization where Barbara volunteered in the past:
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
https://www.bbbs.org/
For more info or to send e-condolences, visit: www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com