Sharon Angelillo Hand

On Friday July 25, 2025, Sharon Angelillo Hand of Meriden passed away peacefully after a very recent cancer diagnosis. Sharon was born in Meriden, Connecticut on January 11th, 1947 to the late John and Anne (Grimes) Angelillo. She was so very proud of her father who served in the United States Military. She fondly remembered her father making her lunches and driving her to school while picking up friends along the way. She leaves behind her first-born daughter, Susan Hand Gniewek of Meriden and her husband, Clint Gniewek and their three sons, Nicholas, Spencer and Brett; her son, Brian Hand of Rocky Hill and his daughter, Olivia and his son, Daniel; her daughter, Jennifer Hand Amantea of Meriden and her husband, Rob Amantea and their three sons, Christopher and his wife, Megan Guest Amantea, who she was proud to call her granddaughter, Brandon, and Zachary; and also her grandson, Tyler Hand of Maine. In addition, she is survived by her niece, Michelle Ricci Falk and her nephew, Michael Ricci. Sharon was predeceased by her beloved son, Kevin Hand of Meriden; her sister, Kathy Angelillo Ricci of Cheshire; and her brother, Jack Angelillo also of Cheshire. Our mom was the best listener you could ever ask for. She has spent hours helping us solve issues and navigate situations with her thoughtful and candid advice. She had no problem telling you just how it was. Sharon was a hard worker, and we remember several stories of her working at the Record Journal in Meriden. She had many memories with all the ladies who became lifelong friends from BBP in Wallingford. Then came her favorite job at Wallingford Walmart, where she worked for 18 years. Sharon absolutely adored this job, never complaining once about "having to go to work." She adored her coworkers and became a mom and friend to many. Our Mom was one of a kind. To know her was to love her. Sharon loved people, building relationships and learning all she could about someone, always inspiring them to be their best selves. She never forgot a birthday and loved nothing more than being with her family on holidays and special occasions. She was known for doing acts of kindness for people who were struggling. If someone mentioned they were in need, she would secretly help them. Whether it was a winter jacket for a child, groceries, or money to help a little girl whose parents were short on cash for a bike they were buying, just to name a few. She didn't have a lot herself but gave what she had. Sharon loved life and appreciated every single moment she had. The biggest love of her life was Paul Anka and she was able to see him in concert just four weeks ago. This truly made her cry tears of joy and she even made her way up to the front of the stage. She was also eagerly awaiting the birth of her three great-grandchildren: a great-grandson and a set of girl and boy twins, all due in September. We want to take the time to thank all the nurses, doctors, and hospice staff at Midstate on Pavilion E. Not only did they take amazing care of our Mom, but they also provided us with loving comfort and support. Sharon surely earned her angel wings, and she will rest in eternal peace. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450, on Wednesday, July 30th from 10 to 12 p.m. A service will immediately follow in the funeral home at 12 p.m. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Sharon's memory may be made to Meriden Soup Kitchen, 460 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450 or to the Boys and Girls Club of Meriden, 15 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT 06451. For online condolences, please visit jferryfh.com.