Jacqueline Ann Fonda

Jacqueline "Jackie" Fonda, 87, passed away on October 5, 2025, after many years in declining health, surrounded by her loving family. Jackie was born in New Haven on May 13, 1938, and was the daughter of the late Rose Marie (Pacelli) Piccirillo and the late Anthony Piccirillo. She was predeceased by a brother, John Piccirillo. Jackie grew up in Hamden, attended Sacred Heart Academy, and graduated from Quinnipiac College with a degree in Medical Technology. She went on to work at Yale New Haven Hospital in cancer research. Jackie was raised by her single working mother, and quickly learned the art of cooking, which served her and her family well throughout her life. Her kitchen was her happy place. Jackie's family would often marvel at how she could devote an entire day to making sauce - stirring, tasting, adding a little of this and a little of that, and stirring and tasting some more. And then feeding everyone, whether they were hungry or not. Jackie was a typical Italian Nana. Jackie married the late Louis Fonda and raised her family in Hamden. Before it was fashionable, Jackie cooked only healthy food. Processed cereals, hotdogs, peanut and fast foods were simply not allowed. Her home was always in perfect order - dusted, sanitized and vacuumed daily. In 1983 Jackie met Vincent Aloia, and they remained partners for 42 years, living in Hamden, proudly hosting many family Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving feasts fit for kings. When Jackie returned to work, she was very proud to work for the Northeastern Center for Forest Health Research, an insectary lab in Hamden, researching and working to control the gypsy moth population. She also worked for many years in the sales industry, for CommuniCall, assisting the elderly, for Simon-Schuster, and then for a home improvement company. Throughout her life, her single most prized possession, after her children, was her piano. She took lessons for many years becoming a classical concert-quality pianist. She made sure that her girls were exposed to music, and the neighborhood children enjoyed playing and singing at her piano as well. Her music continued to make her happy throughout the years. As Jackie's physical health declined, she bravely sat for dialysis 3-days-per-week for many years. She felt safe in the care of her physicians, especially her Nephrologist Dr. Shirin Shirani. Jackie resided at The Guilford House for her last 5 years, and was known to spend her day roaming the halls, checking in on the girls at the front desk, and often sneaking behind the nurse's station to share their snacks. The family would like to personally thank Dr. Shirani, who followed Jackie's care for many years. Dr. Shirani took time to listen, and was always very generous with her time. The family would also like to thank the many caregivers and staff at The Guilford House, including Danielle, Laura, MJ, Megan, DeShaun, Styles, Haley, Hannah, and others too many to name. Jackie's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her partner of 42 years, Vincent J. Aloia of Hamden, her daughter Lisa Barden and husband Marc of Swampscott, MA; her daughter Maria Conte and husband Joe of Viera, FL; four grandchildren - Kyle Barden and wife Nicole of Marblehead, MA; Gina Grube and husband Tyler of Oakmont, PA; Christoper Conte of Viera, FL; and Nicholas Conte of Viera, FL. She also leaves 5 great-grandchildren - Lorenzo, Marcella and Roman Barden of Marblehead, MA; and Sofia and Elaina Grube of Oakmont, PA. It is the family's hope that Jackie is reunited in heaven with two of her favorite people, her mother Rose, and her aunt Marie. Private Christian services and burial were held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to a local school music program.