Dorothy "Dottie" P. Campanelli

Dorothy “Dottie” P. (Manocchio) Campanelli, 92, of Wethersfield, beloved wife of the late Albert J. Campanelli, passed away in her home on May 16, 2022. She was born in Hartford, daughter of the late Biase and Filomena (Guzzo) Manocchio. Dorothy reconnected with her lifelong family friend, Anthony P. Gilistro, who became her constant companion until her passing. She is survived by her five children, William Stetson (partner Dorothy Breen), Daniel Stetson, MaryBeth Stetson-Welch (husband Lee), Meg Stetson DeLeo (fiancé Rich Twombly), Cathy Stetson-DeRienzo (husband Jamie); four stepchildren Debbie Rochat (husband Bill), JoAnn Fenton (husband Bill), Jay Campanelli (wife Carolyn), Peter Campanelli (wife Roxanne). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Charlie and Sammy DeLeo, Dylan Stetson, Jaila and Anthony DeRienzo, Hannah and Lauren Stetson, and step-grandchildren, Rich and Joey Bazzano, Kate and Donovan Fenton, Allie, Connor and Jac Campanelli; her godchildren, Annette Stavola Leisure and Maria Brumm, and several friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law. She was predeceased by her brother, William J. Manocchio; her sister, Frances A. Stavola and stepdaughter, Brenda Thayer.

Dottie grew up in the South End of Hartford and then moved to Wethersfield where she raised her family and lived out the entirety of her life. She also spent many winters in Cocoa Beach and enjoyed time in Niantic. She graduated from Bulkeley High School in 1948 and earned her Associates degree from Hillyer College. She worked as a secretary for the Town of Wethersfield and Fenn Manufacturing and later in life for the Wethersfield Community Center.

Dottie was a gourmet cook and loved to entertain. Well known as the “Hostess with the Mostest” She enjoyed her Pyquag Village neighbors and their dinner club parties. She dabbled with painting, watercolors, arts and crafts and belonged to the Grass Roots Garden Club. Dot also enjoyed tennis, golf and playing Bocci. She didn’t miss a party or an opportunity to take an adventurous drive. Dottie looked forward to playing setback, Wii bowling and other events weekly with her friends at Wethersfield Senior Center. She was a very faithful Catholic and a member of Church of the Incarnation.

Dottie’s wishes were that all wear “Bright colors like Jewels” to her services. Family and friends were everything to her; she was a friend to all. The only pain she ever caused was when she left us.

Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, May 24 at 9 a.m. at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Interment will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692. To share a memory of Dottie with her family, please visit www.desopofuneralchapel.com.