Elene Catherine D’Orsi Catinazzo, 46

Elene Catherine D’Orsi Catinazzo, 46, of Glastonbury and formerly of Orange, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012 at Hartford Hospital after a brief illness.

The beloved daughter of Irene (Karajanis) and Nicholas D’Orsi, she was born in Orange on April 26, 1966.

Elene is missed by her parents; her children Justin and Nikki Catinazzo of Glastonbury; her sister Robin (Steve) Jex and nephews Garrett and Travis of Bowling Green, OH; her brother Nicholas (Theresa) D’Orsi and niece Katherine and nephew Nicholas of Hanover, NH; and her brother Paul (Pauline) D’Orsi of Milford; her former husband Robert Catinazzo of Stafford, VA; and her close friend David Connelly Jr., of S. Glastonbury. 

Elene attended Peck Place School in Orange and Amity High School in Woodbridge before earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island and master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University.

Her large family and many friends remember Elene for her great sense of humor and how she lit up a room with her special way of engaging people in conversation. She always enjoyed the moment, and her enthusiasm brought smiles to all who knew her.

Elene was a paraprofessional in the Glastonbury School System and was a kind and caring teacher of the young children in her care. She loved swimming, reading and cooking for large family gatherings.

Her greatest joy was her children, Justin and Nikki, and she devoted herself to supporting their activities. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 11 am (MEET DIRECTLY AT CHURCH) at Holy Infant Church, 450 Racebrook Rd., Orange with Father David R. LeFort officiating. Interment to follow at Orange Center Cemetery, Orange Center Rd., Orange.

Friends and family may call on Friday, Dec. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT 06460.