Community Mourns Death Of Longtime Former Stamford State Rep. Christel Truglia

STAMFORD, CT — Christel Truglia, the longtime former Democratic state representative who served the 145th House District in Stamford for 20 years, died on July 13. She was 89 years old.

An archived post on the state of Connecticut website notes Truglia's mother, who was from Stamford, moved to Germany where she met Truglia's father.

The couple started a family, and Truglia, who was born on Feb. 16, 1936, ended up growing up in Germany during World War II.

Truglia and her family moved to America in 1947 and settled in Darien. Truglia was later elected to serve the 145th House District in 1988 following the death of her husband, Anthony, who also represented the district before becoming a state senator.

"Because it was her nature to include and accept everyone, she became an honorary grandmother and auntie to generations of children," according to her obituary. "With a five-page, single-spaced resume of accomplishments, awards and accolades, she was most proud of her work on behalf of children and affordable housing."

Truglia's obituary notes that she was often called the "conscious of the legislature," and could "charm" the Appropriations Committee to get funds for her worthwhile causes.

"She may have been quiet and adverse to public speaking, but few had the heart to say no to her requests when she worked behind the scenes. She retired in 2008 after serving her constituents for twenty years," her obituary says.

In 1996, Truglia founded the Truglia Thumbelina Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, "to meet the small but important needs of Stamford’s children when no other funding source was available," her obituary notes.

She also helped start a toy closet in 2005 called "David's Treasure Tree Toy Closet" for children at Stamford Hospital.

Several CT lawmakers commented on Truglia's death this week.

"Christel Truglia was the brightest of lights—always burning with compassion and courage in her fight for everyday people. She consistently saw the good in others, and believed and built on it," U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in a statement.

Blumenthal succeeded Anthony Truglia as a state senator in the 27th District.

"For me, and so many others, she was a mentor and model along with her beloved husband, Tony. Cynthia and I will miss her shining eyes and tireless energy. And most of all, her friendship. Our hearts are with her family," Blumenthal added.

State Rep. Corey Paris (D-145) also posted a statement.

"Christel was a member of the Appropriations and Select Committee on Children. As chair of the Committee on Children and a vice chair of Appropriations, I am aware of the impact she made as a lawmaker for two decades," Paris said.

"I will never forget the kindness and wisdom she bestowed upon me during my race for the 145th district, which she represented for 20 years. Christel Truglia embodied compassion, and her life's work reflected this same quality. My prayers are with her family and friends. May the memory of Christel Truglia's life be a blessing."

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said she was "heartbroken" to learn of Truglia's death.

"I had the pleasure of serving with Christel throughout most of her time in office," Bysiewicz posted on X. "She was best known for her never ending kindness and advocacy for our state’s children."

There will be no calling hours for Truglia, according to her obituary. A mass of Christian burial will be held on July 21 at St. Clement R.C. Church in Stamford. The interment will be private.

Read Truglia's full obituary here.