Obituary of Geraldine M. Ficarra

Geraldine M. Ficarra, 68, of Essex, died October 12, 2017 at her home. Known to her friends and family as Geri, she was an ardent Francophile, fluent in French and Italian. A Boston University graduate, she spent her junior year at the Sorbonne, immersing herself in French language and culture. She lived in Boston for a number of years before moving to Connecticut in 1980. Soon after, she was accepted to what was then the University of Bridgeport School of Law, graduating as valedictorian in 1984. A solo practitioner for much of her career, she focused on family law – divorces, custody cases, and often served as a guardian ad litem representing minor children in cases before the court. In 2007, she moved to Essex, opening a practice with her law partner, Michael Peck. She quickly made many new friends including her neighbors, George and Carol Tenney, and fellow expatriate Rhode Islanders, Jack and Dianne Monahan. Jack sponsored Geri for membership in the Rotary Club of Essex and she became a devoted Rotarian. Her fellow Rotarians elected her president; she served two terms, was chairperson of the club's Scholarship Committee, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2016. She also was an active member of the Essex Democratic Town Committee. She loved living in Essex – she knew everyone and seemingly everyone knew her. Born in Providence, R.I., Geri was the oldest child of the late Carmelo T. and Lucy Ficarra of Bristol, R.I. Raised a Catholic, she decided later in life to convert to Judaism and was a member of Temple Beth David Synagogue in West Hartford. She enjoyed playing the piano and had a beautiful singing voice. She was whip smart, had a keen intellect and a sharp sense of humor. Her sudden departure from this world has left a hole in the heart of many who had the good fortune to have been her friend. She is survived by her sister, Elaine K. Ficarra, of Stratford, CT, and many wonderful friends and family both near and far who will miss her terribly and remember her fondly. A memorial service celebrating Geri's life will take place on Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1:30 p.m. in the Centerbrook Meeting House, 51 Main St., (Route 154) Centerbrook, CT 06409. Donations in her memory may be made to the Rotary Club of Essex Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 484, Essex, CT 06426-0484. To share a memory of Geri or send a condolence to her family please visit www.rwwfh.com . Arrangements by the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.