Alfia Zimmitti

Alfia "Effie" Marino Zimmitti, 87, a resident of Newington, and former lifelong resident of Middletown, passed away peacefully on Sunday October 19, 2025 at UCONN Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was born in Middletown on October 15,1938 during the Great Depression, the second daughter of the late Mary and Frank Marino. Effie was predeceased by her late husband Carmelo E. Zimmitti and her son Salvatore R. Zimmitti. She is survived by her children Adele Rosa (Carmelo) of Higganum, Marian Carrillo (Oscar) of Middletown and Frank Zimmitti (Michele Wickam) of Prospect; six grandchildren Allegra Rosa, Carmelo Rosa III, Diego Carrillo, Mario Carrillo, Amalia Zimmitti and Matteo Zimmitti; many adored nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Born and raised in their Mazzotta/Marino multifamily North End home, Effie enjoyed an idyllic childhood with her sister and cousins, attending Macdonaugh, Central and Middletown High Schools; a member of the Spanish Club and Tiger Tales School Newspaper, she graduated from Middletown High School in 1957. In 1959 she earned an Associates Degree in Medical Secretarial from Becker Junior College in Worcester MA, was Treasurer of Dalton Hall, and an active member of her sorority Kappa Omicron Kappa. Following college she moved back home to Middletown and was employed by the local bank, as a bilingual customer service representative, where she would be introduced to her new customer, and future husband Carmelo. Effie was the Bookkeeper for their company Zimmitti Masonry Co. while raising four children in her family's multifamily duplex on Warwick Street. She ambitiously pursued a second career as an insurance agent for the next 25 years. Effie and Carl eventually moved into their dream home on Morgan Street, residing there for over 10 years while taking care of their late special needs son Sal. Effie moved to Middlewoods of Newington in 2022 and immediately felt at home and loved by a newfound community of friends she loved like extended family, including her special friend Phil, for whom she cared for very much, playing Bingo, word games, dancing at Friday "happy" hours, among others, and of course, watching every Yankees and UCONN basketball games. Effie was truly the epitome of humility and selflessness, a loving daughter, sister, friend, aunt; nurturing wife, mother and grandmother "Nonna Z" and Godmother. We will all miss receiving Effie's handwritten cards, smiling face and pure sweetness. The Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday (Oct. 28th) at 10 a.m. at St. Sebastian Church, Middletown. Burial immediately following mass in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield. Calling/Visiting hours will be Monday (Oct. 27th) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Tuesday (Oct. 28th) 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.