Carolyn “Carol” Rose Velardi Scalesse, of East Haven, died peacefully on Oct. 25, 2024, at Apple Rehab-Laurelwoods with her loving family by her side. She was the wife of Robert Scalesse. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on Sept. 25.

She was born in New Haven on Dec. 23, 1936, to the late Robert and Christina Amendola Velardi. After graduating from high school, Carol went to work for United Artists. From 1991 to 1997 she was the executive assistant to Mayor Hank Luzzi. She worked for the Registrar of Voters and was vice-chair of the Democratic Town Committee in East Haven. Carol received statewide recognition as Woman of the Year by the State Democratic party. She also sold Avon Cosmetics and worked as a cosmetologist for Merle Norman.

Carol was a loving mother to Christine (James) Ciocca and Robert Scalesse Jr.; sister of Robert Velardi and the late Frank B. Velardi Sr. She is survived by her grandchildren: Lauren (L. Rickard) Rolfsson, James Ciocca Jr., Jack and Robert Scalesse; and her great-granddaughter Vera Christine Rolfsson who held a special place in her heart and brought her much joy.

Visiting hours were on Oct. 30 in the Iovanne Funeral Home, Inc., 11 Wooster Place, New Haven. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Oct. 31 in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at St. Vincent dePaul Church, 80 Taylor Avenue, East Haven. The burial was in East Lawn Cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Connecticut Hospice, www.hospice.com.