Dolores Vegliante Nastri

Dolores Vegliante Nastri, 94, of Orange passed away on March 28, 2024. She was the wife of the late Anthony M. Nastri and the daughter of the late Carmine William Vegliante and Annette Rispoli Vegliante. She leaves behind her two sons, James (Nancy), and Mark (Violet), and nine grandchildren: Anthony Nastri (Danielle), Christina Nastri (Dan), Jennifer Nastri Hirshorn (Greg), Jacquelyn Nastri Bardenwerper (Tad), Mark Nastri (Caitlyn), and Ken, David, Michael, and Tyler Appel. She was predeceased by her daughter Carla Nastri Appel.  In addition, Dolores leaves behind her much adored great grandchildren Olivia, Madelyn and Thomas Nastri, and Cecilia, Robert and Willa Bardenwerper.

Dolores was born in New Haven, CT on February 13, 1930. She was educated in the West Haven school system, received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut majoring in Music, and earned her post-graduate degree in Education from Southern Connecticut State University. She was an accomplished classical pianist, having studied under Ward Davenny, at the Yale school of Music. Dolores loved all the arts, especially music and literature.  She was a teacher in the West Haven and Orange school systems, as well as the Holy Infant Junior High School. Later, she gave private piano instruction to many students in the Orange community. She was an active member of Holy Infant Church and very involved in local politics and community volunteerism.

Her family will remember her as an outstanding cook and loving wife, mother and grandmother who was happiest in the company of her family. Over the years, the Anthony and Dolores Nastri home was warm and comforting to all, especially her children’s friends. There were many parties, celebrations and much joy and laughter. Whether it was a big pot of Sunday sauce and meatballs for all to enjoy or simply a friendly ear and welcoming smile, Dolores made all feel safe and loved. Many would say she was like their second mother.

Although a diminutive women in stature, Dolores was the matriarch of her family whom she loved unconditionally. She was proud of her Italian heritage and instilled this in her children. Above all, Dolores loved people and was able to immediately connect with others on a very personal level. She genuinely cared about others, and this was immediately evident to everyone she met.  She loved to listen, talk and engage with people and retained everything she learned in these conversations, constantly expanding her personal connections. She possessed an almost photographic memory and   was the family historian. In her cheerful and compassionate manner, Dolores always tried to brighten everyone’s day, either with one of her many stories, a poem, or a favorite meal prepared just right. Her smile was contagious and was a beacon of her love and positivity.

After the passing of her husband and daughter, she carried on independently and remained optimistic and strong despite her heartbreaking losses. Her family remained the focus of her life and she was generous and proud. Dolores will be greatly missed; she lived a long and meaningful life and set a high standard for those remaining to aspire to. She touched many hearts and impacted others through her music, teachings, and friendship. She remained kind in disposition, and filled with love until the very end.

The family wishes to thank Maplewood of Orange and Branford Hospice for the compassionate care they have provided.  Special thanks to Mary Ann who has been mom’s personal angel over the last several months.

A visitation will be held on Thursday April 4, 2024, at Cody-White Funeral Home (107 Broad St, Milford CT 06460) from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday April 4, 2024, at Holy Infant Church (450 Racebrook Rd, Orange, CT 06477) at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Orange Center Cemetery in Orange CT.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Connecticut Hospice at www.hospice.com in Dolores’s memory. To light a candle or leave a condolence in her memory please visit www.CodyWhiteFuneralService.com

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