Obituary of Violet J. DeLano

Surrounded by her family at home in Westbrook, Violet DeLano peacefully departed this life on November 11, 2021. Born in Middletown in 1931, Violet was the daughter of the late Jennie (Faraci) and Frank Nocera. Violet leaves behind three children—Donna Hotkowski (Westbrook), Sheri & Bob Stalsburg (Westbrook), and Jim DeLano Jr. (Deep River). She raised her family with the love of her life, the late Jim DeLano to whom she was married for 58 years. Violet and Jim created a beautiful and successful life together that included several entrepreneurial ventures—in both Connecticut and Florida,--including restaurants (the Deep River Inn) and assisted living centers. These businesses were built on hard work and dedication, traits they passed on to their family, inspiring many others to pursue their own dreams of business ownership. Violet adored her six grandchildren—Britany Stalsburg & Chuck Fritch (East Haven), Eric & Christine Stalsburg (Madison), Kelly Stalsburg & Anthony Quinn (East Haven), Nick Hotkowski & Katie Hotkowski (both of Westbrook), and Aulden DeLano (Deep River). Additionally, she took immense pleasure in being a great-grandmother to Dean and Della Fritch-Stalsburg. She is also predeceased by her sister, Amelia (Mimi) Cart and is survived by a brother, Frank Nocera Jr., of Ivoryton. She was “Antie Vi” to two special nieces, Robin Ucich (Old Saybrook) and Jodi & Mark Young (Westbrook). Violet also leaves behind a big extended family, including aunts and uncles, cousins, and other loved ones. A classic Italian grandmother, Violet loved cooking basta ca zasa, making her opinion known (positive or negative!), and looking out for her family no matter what. As she got older, she displayed a type of unconditional acceptance in people that meant the world to those whose lives she touched. If you came to her with a problem, she would reassure you in a way that made you feel that whatever you were doing, you were OK just the way you are. She developed a “don’t sweat the small stuff” attitude that continues to inspire her family today, reminding us that life is precious and to prioritize what really matters. She is now joyfully dancing with her husband Jim in heaven with the angels. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 15th at 10:30am at St. Joseph Church, Middlesex Tnpk, Chester. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. To leave share a memory or leave a condolence for Violet’s family please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook