Theresa A. Romaniello

Theresa (Paganini) Romaniello, a lifelong resident of Torrington, died on December 4, 2024, after a brief illness. Theresa was born on August 11, 1924, and was the daughter of the late Monsueto and Catherine (Boyardee) Paganini. She was married for 73 years to the love of her life Kelly (Canio) Romaniello.

Theresa’s hands were always busy, and she always worked outside of her home, first at The Torrington Company on the line in the needle division, next as a waitress at the former Eastlawn Country Club, then at Torin Corporation.

She was a consummate caregiver, initially for her nieces and nephews, then for her own children, next for her mother and finally for her grandchildren. Her hands were always busy cooking, baking, and cleaning, she especially enjoyed baking Christmas cookies and the front hall of her house, which was unheated, served as her storage area. When company arrived, she would vanish into the makeshift refrigerator and emerge with her arms laden with goodies.

Theresa attended the former St. Peter Church and was a member of the Holy Rosary Society. After she moved into an assisted living community, receiving communion was a highlight of her week.

Theresa was predeceased by her brothers Joseph, Gino and Frank Paganini, a baby daughter Nancy, and her husband Kelly.

She is survived by her son Thomas and his wife Dawn Romaniello of Harwinton; a daughter Catherine Hughes of Torrington, her grandchildren Christopher Hughes and his wife Melissa of New Hartford and Sara Hughes and her husband Peter Barwikowski of Goshen, Jordan Romaniello and his wife Marissa of Harwinton, Marissa Romaniello of Lakeville, MAA and Brittney More and her husband Justin of Hamden, CT. She cherished her six great grandchildren Brooklyn, Aiden, Connor, Rilyn, Quinn, and Peyton.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of The Cottage at Litchfield Hills who welcomed Theresa into their community four years ago and cared for her with patience and compassion. Also, they would like to thank the Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County for their unending support and her private duty caregiver Rosilyn who guided everyone through Theresa’s final days.

Theresa’s funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington. Burial will follow at St. Francis New Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon, at Cook Funeral Home.

When asked to say a few words for those gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday this past August, Theresa rose from her seat, waved, and said, “I love you all”. Yes, she did, indeed.