Manzelli, Eldridge, Petretto: Recent Death Notices From Guilford

GUILFORD, CT — Recent obituaries from Guilford.

Mary Lou Manzelli, 85, passed away on Jan. 28, 2025, a dedicated employee of New England Food & Beverage and Seamless Rubber Company before retirement, who enjoyed time with her family and valued her work.

Sharon Marie Anderson Monroe, 67, passed away on Jan. 31, 2025, after a long illness; she was a professional photographer who enjoyed traveling and capturing moments through her camera, and is survived by her son, grandson, brothers, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Chloe Cecilia Negron, age 6, passed away on Jan. 31, 2025; a student at ACES Village School, she found joy in music, singing along to Sesame Street and dancing to her family's favorite songs, and is survived by her parents David and Rennie Negron, sister Cristina, grandparents Michael and Edita Negron and Francisco and Reny Gallo, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and teachers.

Mildred Catherine Gilbert, 91, passed away on Jan. 29, 2025; a trailblazer at American Express as one of the first African American female unit supervisors, she later worked at Dushkin Publishing, Nationwide Insurance, and New Haven Public Schools, found joy in her church community, and is survived by her son Gordon Gilbert, sisters Helen Gilbert, Daisy Baum, Doris Gilbert, and Joyce Collins (Harry), and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Ann B. Pillartz, 82, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025; after raising her family, she opened Details, a fine home accessories store, where she was a warm presence until retiring in 2020, and she is survived by her children Suzanne (Fred) Smith and Jeffrey (Nicolle) Pillartz, as well as grandchildren Brady (McKenna) Smith and Mackenzie Smith.

Thomas Whyte O’Neil, 87, passed away on Jan. 22, 2025, after a diverse career as a Navy officer, librarian, journalist, adjunct professor, and co-author, known for his storytelling, deep curiosity about others, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, including students, colleagues, and historical figures, while also treasuring his time as a teacher at Gateway Community College and enjoying life with his family and neighbors.

Thomas J. Krajewski, 77, passed away on Jan. 22, 2025, after a career as a human resources director for multiple companies, a lifelong passion for Notre Dame football, a love for fishing and exploring the Connecticut coastline, and an enthusiasm for travel and hosting gatherings with family and friends.

Howard (Howie) R. Eldridge Jr., 76, passed away on Jan. 14, 2025, after a career spanning over 40 years in the telecommunications industry, service in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, a lifelong passion for the outdoors, including boating, skiing, and camping, and years of dedicated community involvement with scouting, church fundraising, and veterans' charities.

Denise M. (Dammling) Gallagher, 77, passed away on Jan. 8, 2025, after battling Parkinson’s Disease, having spent her life as a dedicated mother, history enthusiast, baker, and lover of drawing and the outdoors, particularly enjoying time at the beach in Newport, RI.

Richard Andreas Brauchler, Sr., 87, passed away peacefully on Jan. 8, 2025, after a career as a tool and die maker, manager, and school bus driver, while also dedicating much of his life to his family, Boy Scouts, and the Lutheran Church, with a deep love for hiking, soccer, and volunteering.

Grace (Eckles) Terwilliger, 94, passed away on Jan. 4, 2025, after a fulfilling life spent as a tour guide, dance instructor, and Visitor Services Assistant at the Yale University Art Gallery, followed by a retirement filled with volunteering, travel, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family.

Joseph Petretto, 99, passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2025; a WWII Navy veteran, he became a successful entrepreneur, dedicated himself to self-development, health, and nutrition, volunteered for over 40 years at Cornerstone Church, and enjoyed golf, puzzles, and time with his family.