Obituary of Eleanor J. Fedell

Eleanor J. Granese Fedell, age 94, of Trumbull, beloved wife of the late Michael V. Fedell, Sr., passed away on Thursday, March 03, 2016 at St. Vincent's Medical Center. She was born on April 4, 1921, and was a daughter of the late Nicola and Mary Concetta Granese. First and foremost, Eleanor was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She cherished her family very much, and always knew how to keep the family circle one of strength and love. In addition to always giving of herself to those in need within her immediate family, Eleanor continued doing the same for so many others. She was an early advocate for Connecticut's first private agency for persons with retardation (her special family), now known as the Kennedy Center. She later served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors. From 1977 to 1998, she was the Director of Volunteers for the Greater Bridgeport area, at the Ella Grasso Regional Center in Stratford. She recruited hundreds of citizen volunteers and organized many fundraisers that made significant capital improvements possible, including a therapeutic pool, pavilion, and personalized room furniture for clients. Finally, she was the trusted liaison to a unique group of dedicated volunteers- The G.R.A.S.P Auxiliary-who coordinated their hard earned funds to support recreational activities, holiday gifts and charitable responses to the residents of the Ella T Grasso Center and throughout the Bridgeport community. She was predeceased by a son, Dennis Fedell, two brothers, Joseph and Ernie Granese, and a sister, Theresa DePasqua. Survivors include two loving sons, Michael Fedell, Jr. & his wife Peggy, and John Fedell, both of Trumbull, two cherished grandchildren, Michael V. Fedell, III & his wife Silvia, and Melissa Fedell, two adored great grandchildren, Michael, IV and Lila, as well as several nieces and nephews. All funeral services will be held privately and burial shall take place in the Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grasso Auxiliary, c/o Ella Grasso Center, 25 Armory Road, Stratford, CT. 06497 Arrangements have been entrusted to the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull.