Born July 28, 1937 in Derby, Barbara Schuchmann Petruzzello transitioned on March 9, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was predeceased by her husband and friend, Sebastian (“Babe”) Petruzzello, her son James, her parents, William Schuchman, Sr., and Elsie Stettbacher Schuchmann and her siblings, Ruth Hessler and William Schuchmann Jr.
She was married to Sebastian (“Babe”) Petruzzello for over 64 years. They lived in Ansonia for most of their lives and made North Haven their home for the past 7 years.
Sebastian and Barbara had three children: James (Susan) deceased, John (Heidi) and her devoted daughter Cynthia. She leaves behind her three beloved grandchildren, Stephanie (Thomas) Finnucan, Kyle (Kristen) Petruzzello and Ashley (Bryan) Townsend. In addition, she leaves a legacy of four great-grandchildren who meant the world to her: Harper Finnucan, Mac Arthur Townsend, Brynn Finnucan and Madison Townsend. She has several nieces and nephews and friends (Oregon, Connecticut, Washington State & Florida) that she leaves behind as well as an adopted dog, Sparky.
Barbara graduated from Quinnipiac University (then Quinnipiac College) in 1957. She wasn’t done yet. She then went on to receive her Masters at Southern Connecticut State University (then SCSC) in the field of Education. Barbara spent most of her life working at her Dad’s Greenhouse/Florist, East Side Greenhouses in Ansonia. She loved the conversations that she had with most everyone who walked through the door and they loved talking with her too.
Barbara was dedicated to her family. She and Babe could not wait to drive to see their children, grandchildren and those little greats! She always loved cooking for her family and anyone who came into her house. Her kitchen became the meeting place for her son John’s friends. Her recipes will always live on in her granddaughter Stephanie. Barbara’s second passion was a love of fashion. She was a classic and was well put together in whatever setting she was in. She and her daughter spent many a Sunday exploring new stores, old stores, just any stores that they could find.
She will be Heaven reuniting with her husband and son and everyone that she held close to her heart!
Friends are invited to celebrate her life this Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. from The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin Street in Ansonia. Burial follows in Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby. Friends may call from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. before the service.
The family requests that any memorial contributions be made to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, 269 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339, www.bafound.org (#Stop The Pop) to further education and research on Brain Aneurysms.
