Gloria A. Hatfield

4/29/1927 - 9/14/2025

New London - Gloria A. Hatfield, 98, of New London, passed away Sept. 14,2025, at Beechwood Rehab in New London.

She was born April 29,1927, to Saverio and Katie Santaniello of New London. She attended local schools and graduated from Williams Memorial Institute (WMI) in 1945. Gloria graduated from the New London Business College in 1947, and was employed as a secretary to the headmaster of the former Admiral Billard Academy in New London. She went on to work as a legal secretary for two local law firms until she married Lee E. Hatfield in 1949. She was a census taker during the 1960 U.S. Census and worked as a secretary for the Miner & Alexander Lumber company for a short time.

At various times through the years, she volunteered for fundraising events for the American Cancer Society, Child & Family Agency, and the YMCA Development Office. She was also an enthusiastic den mother in the Cub Scouts and introduced historic New London sights and businesses to the scouts during numerous field trips.

Gloria returned to work after the death of her husband in 1976. She began her new career as the administrative assistant in the Waterford Country School Development Office and was promoted to the position of Coordinator of Community Activities. After seven years at WCS, Gloria transitioned to a position with the City of New London in the City Clerk's Office in 1987. She retired in 2005 at the age of 78. The most common words in her various recommendation letters were "diligent," "energetic," "capable" and "loyal."

Gloria's greatest attribute was her love and devotion to her family. Her enthusiasm around holidays and family events was equal to her intense support for others during times of distress and loss.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents; her husband; and her beloved youngest son, David S. Hatfield. She was also predeceased by her siblings: Anthony Santaniello, Angelo Santaniello, Agatha O'Neill, Mary Rowe and Vera McQuown. She is survived by her son, Lee E. Hatfield (Suzanne) of Waterford; daughter-in-law Debra Hatfield (David) of New London; grandchildren: Daniel Hatfield, Brian Hatfield, James Hatfield (Natanielle) and Kelly Farland (Brady). She is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Nathaniel Hatfield, Sebastian Hatfield, Scarlett Hatfield, Layla Farland and Amelia Farland. Also, she leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

She will be greatly missed by all.

All services will be private.