Melissa Rose Cole (Iacuone) of Oxford, age 32, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, February 15, 2018 at CT Hospice Branford, surrounded by her loving family.
Melissa fought liver cancer with amazing strength, grace, and dignity.
She is survived by her cherished daughter, Tanith Cole.
She leaves behind her sweetheart Paris Russell.
Melissa was born in New Haven, CT on June 15, 1985. Melissa was the beloved daughter of Rose (Bassi) Iacuone‑D’Amico her husband Fred D’Amico, and Stephen Iacuone his wife Michele (Bystryk).
Treasured sister of Jennifer Casceillo (Iacuone) and her darling friend Michael Del Re III, Laurel Shaw (Iacuone) and husband Gene, Joseph D’Amico, Audrey D’Amico, Anthony Iacuone and Vincent Iacuone. Loving Aunt to Geno, Ava, Dylan and Arlo.
Melissa proudly grew up in Oxford, attending Oxford Public Schools.
She graduated from Notre Dame Catholic High School Fairfield in 2003.
At Notre Dame, she was a member of the Cross Country and Track/Field Teams.
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the Fones School of Dental Hygiene at the University of Bridgeport in 2008.
She was a dental hygienist for several years before she decided to return to the family business to work with her stepdad, Fred, at D’Amico Associates.
She worked there for the last ten years as a land surveyor, draftsmen, and administrative assistant.
She had a passion for public service and served four years on the Board of Education in Oxford. Melissa recently was elected Board Chairman.
Melissa loved giving back to the community that she held dear and greatly valued raising her daughter in Oxford.
Melissa’s favorite baseball team was the Boston Red Sox. Melissa was a talented artist and enjoyed painting, drawing and scrapbooking. Camping and bonfires with the family was a favorite summer past-time as well as family vacations to Wildwood, and going to Disney World with her daughter, Tanith.
Melissa was a kind person always full of life and fun. She had a beautiful smile that would light up a room even on her worst day.
She was a caring and supportive daughter, mother, sister, godmother, aunt and friend.
Family was very important to her.
Melissa, you went way before your time.
We will miss you more than words can describe. You will always be in our hearts, minds and everything that we do. You are our angel.
She is also survived by maternal grandmother, Rose M. Bassi (Patrignelli) and paternal grandmother, Mary Iacuone (O’Donnell). Additionally, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was predeceased by her infant brother Stephen Iacuone, Jr., maternal grandfather Joseph Bassi, Jr., paternal grandfather Joseph N. Iacuone, Sr., and grandparents Ferdinando and Jennie (Moccia) D’Amico.
The family would like to thank the many doctors and nurses of Yale New Haven Hospital Interventional Radiology Oncology Team, Smilow Cancer Center, Palliative Care Team, and CT Hospice Branford for their care and compassion.
Also, thank you to Father Chris Tiano, Father Vin Curran, and Father Peter Cipriani for going above and beyond to ensure Melissa received her spiritual support and many blessings.
Her calling hours will be held Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth St., Derby.
On Tuesday, all are invited to go directly to St. Mary Church for her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Her burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery.
The family requests that contributions be made through the funeral director to an education fund for Tanith Cole. Friends may leave condolences at www.adzimafh.com.
