Gena Mazzetta obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Gena Mazzetta Obituary

Gena (Latela) Mazzetta, 59 of New Haven passed away July 7, 2025 at St. Raphael Campus of Yale New Haven Hospital. She was born December 12, 1965 in New Haven to Carl Latela and Lorraine (McDermott) Jacobs. Gena is survived by her three loving children; Gabi Latela of Branford, Anthony Mazzetta of Branford and Jared Latela of Naugatuck along with two grandchildren she adored; Aiden McElroy and Charlotte Latela. Gena is also survived by her two sisters; Melinda Jones (Charlie) of Guilford and Brenda Sorge (Gregory) of North Haven and many nieces/nephews.

Gena is preceded in death by her parents and husband, James Mazzetta (2017) and her son, Vincent Latela (2016).

Gena’s life was a testament to strength, love, and unwavering resilience. She was well known for her legendary mac and cheese, which brought comfort and joy to anyone lucky enough to have a plate. But more than anything she made in the kitchen, Gena poured her heart into being a mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren were her best friends, and she lit up with every laugh, hug, and moment spent with them.

Gena’s journey was not an easy one—she faced heartbreak and loss that would have broken most: the passing of her child, her husband, and her mother, the loss of her leg, and even periods of homelessness. Yet through it all, she persevered with grace and fierce determination, always putting her children first no matter what.

She had a wild sense of humor and absolutely loved telling the worst jokes—though she’d laugh the hardest at them herself. Her spirit was bold, her laughter contagious, and her love of rock music ran deep. Tom Petty, AC/DC, Kid Rock, and Aerosmith were the soundtrack of her life, and nothing made her happier than going to a concert and feeling the music in her soul.

Gena had the kind of heart that made everyone feel at home. She was open, loving, and quickly became a second mom to so many people who needed her. Whether it was a warm meal, a kind word, or a listening ear, she gave what she had—always.

Now, after a life of giving everything she had to the people she loved, Gena is finally at peace—and reunited with her beloved son, holding him in her arms once again. And though her absence leaves a hole in the hearts of those she left behind, her love lives on forever in her children—the ones who gave her life its truest meaning.

Family will receive friends on Sunday July 13, 2025 from 4 to 7 PM in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on 12 PM (NOON) on Monday July 14 at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven with Committal to follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.