Florence DelVechio Massey, age 99, of Trumbull and Jupiter Island, FL, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 20, 2013.
She was born on December 20, 1913, in Meriden, CT to the late Michaele and Lucy (Voccola) DelVecchio. She is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, James V. Massey, Jr, her son James V. Massey III, brother Leonard DelVechio, and his wife Helen, and grandson James LeDonne.
Florence was an extremely proud graduate of Central Connecticut State University, Class of 1934, where she earned a BA degree in Elementary Education. She went on to teach kindergarten in Bridgeport, last teaching at Beardsley School in 1943. Florence was a devoted wife and loving mother to her five children (2 sets of twins, plus one), a fabulous homemaker, outstanding cook, friend to many, and a very, very classy dresser.
She loved dogs and sports from her youth having played high school basketball, college soccer, and tennis. In her adult life she enjoyed bowling, and golf. She was a long time member of Mill River Country Club in Stratford, CT , and The Loxahatchee Club, in Jupiter, FL. She was a diehard Yankee fan. Florence loved to travel, play cards, take trips to the casino, Broadway shows, and was an avid reader. She also enjoyed dancing, and fine dining. Always a sun worshipper, she lived on Jupiter Island, FL for over 20 years where she had plenty of friends, walked the beach, played golf, and entertained generously.
Florence’s first love was her family which grew to include 8 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren which she doused with affection and enthralled with stories and nursery rhymes. Ever the teacher, she taught several of them to read, and play card games.
Florence laughed easily and was incredibly active, driving until the age of 91. She will be missed by many.
Florence is survived by daughter Susan Coyle, and her husband Frank, of Shelton, CT, son Daniel Massey, and his wife Judith of Shelton, CT, daughter Paula DeStefano, and her husband Richard of Tierra Verde, FL, daughter Karen Berwick, and her partner Mary Schneider of Orange, CT. She also leaves 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and wonderful caregivers that have become part of her family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Griffin Hospital Breast Cancer Wellness Center, 350 Seymour Ave. # 102 , Derby, CT 06418.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 10:30 AM in St. Joseph Church 420 Coram Ave. Shelton. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Trumbull. The Riverview Funeral Home 390 River Road Shelton has been entrusted with her arrangements. Please leave condolences to her family at www.riverveiwfh.com
