Theresa Ann Richitelli

Theresa Ann (Parlato) Richitelli was born on May 20, 1938.  She attended Sacred Heart Academy and Wilbur Cross High School (class of ‘56).  She earned her B.S. and M.A. degrees from Tufts University and Southern Connecticut State University. 

She was a K-12 volunteer at the Dixwell Community House and a playground supervisor for the City of New Haven summer programs where she was often seen lugging buckets of water up Legion Avenue to the playground where she offered arts and crafts to the children. Theresa was a primary grades teacher in North Branford, Milford and Orange.  She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Sergeant-At-Arms New Haven Elks #47, and communicant and member of the Ladies Guild at Holy Infant Church in Orange.  She had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and was a member of Sodality of the Children of Mary.  

Theresa was predeceased by her parents John and Helen Parlato, brother Francis Parlato and husband Pasquale (Pat) Richitelli.  She is survived by her loving children, daughter Patricia and son James, daughter-in-law Jerri-Lynne, as well as several grandchildren, great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

Theresa’s generosity, sense of humor and quick wit along with her compassionate heart endeared her to family and friends.  Former students whose love and respect for “Mrs R” was attested to by their visits, even after her retirement, often bringing their children to her home.  She was always fascinated by whales and shared her passion and concern for them with all who knew her. She won awards for writing poetry and essays.  In her later years her love of travel brought some of her fondest memories, zip lining and swimming with the dolphins. 

A Graveside Service will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 11 a.m. at St. Lawrence Cemetery 280 Derby Ave., West Haven, CT 06516 (MEET DIRECTLY AT THE CEMETERY). 

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