Obituary of Barbara Colletti

Barbara Ann (DeCapua) Colletti, 78, of Manchester joined the love of her life, husband Thomas, in heaven on December 3, 2021. Born in Hartford, CT on September 20, she was the daughter of the late Catello V. DeCapua and Marjorie (Allison) DeCapua. Barbara graduated from East Hartford High School, and shortly after married Tom and started their family. She was later employed by The Manchester Herald, and the Town of Manchester’s Building and Human Resource Departments. After retiring she spent the next seven years as a crossing guard at Robertson School and cherished that time with “her kids” and their families.

Barbara is survived by daughters; Angela Thuro and husband Anthony of Urbana, MD, Christine Desrosiers and husband Edward of Orlando, FL, sons; Thomas Jr. and wife Michele (DiBella) of Greenville, SC, Matthew and wife Christine (Hoover) of Manchester and Bryan and wife Melanie (Goodin) of Tolland, grandchildren; Vanessa Williams and husband John, Alysha Colletti, Nicholas Desrosiers and wife Alora, Cassaundra Massie and husband Danny, Patrick Colletti, Alexis Brooks and husband Greg, McKenzie Desrosiers, Anthony Thuro, Christian Colletti and wife Savannah, Isabella, Victoria, Stella, Daniel, Lucciella, and Hannah Colletti, Zack and Lily Goodin and great-grandchildren Ayden Joseph, Madigan Mary, John Thomas, Camden Thomas, Story Beth and Jack Ryan. Barbara is also survived by her brothers Victor DeCapua and wife Susan and Wayne DeCapua, sisters-in-law Lucille Vernali and husband Anthony and Mary Yagman, and sister-in-law and best friend, Gerlinde Colletti, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Barbara was also predeceased by brothers Donald and Michael DeCapua.

Barbara loved cooking for her large Italian family and anyone they brought to her table, knitting, and dancing to doo-wop especially during family events and Saturday morning chores. Her children lovingly referred to her as “The Mayor” because everywhere they went Barbara would run into someone she knew from her time volunteering at Bowers School, Manchester Midget Football, Little League and Cub Scouts among others. To her grandchildren she was quite simply “The Gram” who never missed one of their life events, always beaming with pride and her big, beautiful smile. Everyone cherished the opportunity to spend time with Barbara as she only exuded love, encouragement, and appreciation for all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American School For The Deaf, 139 N. Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107. Calling hours will be Friday, December 10^th from 4-7 pm, at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 W. Center Street, Manchester, CT. Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 11^th at 11:00 am in East Cemetery, 220 E. Center Street, Manchester, CT.

The family will host a celebration of life for both parents at a later date.