Carolyn J. (Belenardo) Baledes

Carolyn June Belenardo Baledes of Hamden, raised in the Wooster Street New Haven area, and formerly of New Smyrna Beach Florida, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024.

Born in Hamden on March 20, 1933 daughter of the late Mary Ferriauolo Belenardo and Sisto Belenardo. Carolyn graduated from Wilbur Cross Highschool in 1951. She went on to UCONN where she graduated in 1956 with a Registered Nursing degree. Carolyn received her Master’s Degree from Quinnipiac College in 1984 as a Hospital Administrator. Carolyn had a very successful and fulfilling career as an R.N. and held several Executive Director positions in private skilled nursing facilities throughout Connecticut, until she retired in 1994.

Carolyn was an avid Huskie UCONN Women’s Basketball fan and loved all things from the Wizard of Oz movie. She loved traveling throughout Europe especially the beautiful regions in Italy. She had a long-time passion for Italian Opera, Italian cuisine and was very proud of her Italian heritage. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining for her family and friends. Carolyn was actively involved in Hamden politics and sat on the Republican State Central Committee for several years.

Carolyn is survived by her beloved daughter, Lisa DeMatteis-Lepore (Marco), and her beloved grandson Nicolas “Nico” Lepore of Danbury, Connecticut. She was predeceased by her husband Theodore Baledes, from New Smyrna Beach Florida. Carolyn was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Harry Belenardo of New Haven, Connecticut. In addition, she was predeceased by her first husband, Atty. Robert DeMatteis of Hamden, Connecticut. They met at UCONN, and were married in 1956 until Roberts passing in 1981. She leaves behind her beloved cousin Linda Bonvini Joseph, and many friends and family in Connecticut and New Smyrna Beach Florida.

Carolyn was surrounded by so much love from family and friends during the last days of her life while at Yale New Haven St Raphael’s Hospital in New Haven. The family extends its great appreciation to Vitas Hospice, and the devoted staff on the 6th floor at St Raphael’s, especially Micheal Tondalo, R.N. A special thank you to Joy Wildman, Gina O’Connell and Andrea Hunter who were loved by Carolyn as her additional daughters and who spent countless hours holding her hand during the final days of her life. Carolyn loved her family first and foremost. She was an

amazing Wife, Mom and Nanny to the absolute love of her life, her only grandson, Nico. She will be greatly missed for her loving, fierce and feisty spirit.

“And remember my sentimental friend, that a heart is not judged by how much you love ; but how much you are loved by others”

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Friday Feb 16th from 9-11 AM in the Celentano Funeral Home, New Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Michael Church, Wooster Place at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park.

Contributions in Carolyn’s memory can be made to:

The Connection

100 Roscommon Drive, Suite 203

Middletown, CT. 06811

Attn: Fund Development www.theconnectioninc.org

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