Mary Cianciolo

Mary Dranginis Cianciolo died on December 22, 2024, at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital. She was born on July 28, 1946, to the late William M. and Margaret (Cleary) Dranginis of Goshen. Mary was educated in public schools and was honored as a National Merit Finalist. She graduated from Manhattanville College in 1968, and later secured a master’s degree in education from Central Connecticut State University.

She began her career as an educator upon her college graduation and spent 30 years challenging students at, first Vogel, then the Torrington Middle School, in Torrington. She was a tough taskmaster and expected the best from her students, many of whom stayed in touch through her retirement. One class gave her an “evil eye” pendant because they were convinced that she had eyes on the back of head! One class of challenged learners finished their year by composing poetry and learning to needlepoint. “Mrs. C” loved teaching and loved her students. She encouraged them to succeed in whatever they chose to do. Mary was a key part of the institution of a talented and gifted program in the Torrington Schools and always kept close the quilt made by one of her favorite classes.

Mary met her adored husband, Lawrence J. Cianciolo while teaching in Torrington. They shared keen intellect, curiosity, and a love of travel. Larry said he loved Mary, in large part, because she made him laugh. She had a killer sense of humor. They rescued many dogs over their 37-year marriage, all of whom were dearly loved. Many winter weekends were spent in Vermont, so Larry could ski with his brother and friends, the Doherty’s, and nieces. Mary made sure that their homes were happy and well stocked so that Larry had what he needed when he returned from work or play. Mary often said the best part of her life was when she was teaching and taking care of Larry. Mary was generous with her time for friends and nurtured them, particularly at Christmas, with large trays of cookie varieties she made every year. In retirement, Mary enjoyed her book club, writing club, going to the movies, and traveling. Her abundant and happy life was forever changed with the sudden death of Larry in 2009. Mary worked hard to keep that spark going by continuing to help friends and traveling.

Mary is survived by her sister, Anne C. Dranginis, and her daughter, Sarah Zivic, her brother-in-law, Vincent Cianciolo his wife Marcia, their daughters Melissa and Molly and their husbands and children, aunt Cora Regis, special cousin Maureen L. Cleary, godson, John Doherty and Dranginis, Cleary and Cianciolo cousins and many friends. In addition to her husband, she was also predeceased by her niece, Charlotte Zivic.

There were no services. It was Mary’s wish that people be free from yet another “obligation” in their busy lives and that they remember her as they did. Memorial contributions can be made to the Lawrence J. and Mary Dranginis Cianciolo Fund at the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, PO Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790.