Alyssa Kathryn Matterazzo, 27, of East Haddam (formerly of Portland) died unexpectedly on Monday, May 24th. She is survived by her parents, Steven and Susan Matterazzo of Portland, her brother Thomas Matterazzo of Portland, her paternal grandmother Jill Matterazzo of Higganum, her aunts and uncles Daniel Matterazzo, David and Amy Matterazzo, Vivian and Gary Butler, Gary Brainard and Jackie Rominski, Larry and Linda Brainard, and her boyfriend Adam Gidarakos. Alyssa was also blessed with an extended family of grand uncles and aunts, cousins, and friends, all of whom she loved dearly. She was predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Molly Brainard and Elmer Brainard, and her paternal grandfather Anthony Matterazzo.
How do you encapsulate the essence of a person in just a few sentences? From the moment she was born, Alyssa simply lit up the room. She was beautiful inside and out, sweet, funny, and kind-hearted. She loved cats and would be relieved to know that her family will be taking good care of Miss Ollie from now on. She enjoyed good food (as long as it wasn't seafood) and always looked forward to family dinners. She loved iced coffee. She was a huge fan of Law and Order and zombie movies. She was a hard worker. She was always changing her look and somehow managed to pull off every hair color of the rainbow over the course of her life. We will miss her sense of humor, her unwavering love, her voice, her laugh, her kindness, and her smile. She was one of a kind, and truly the best daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, cousin, and friend anyone could ask for.
Friends and family may call on Thursday, June 3rd from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street in Middletown. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express sympathy consider donating to their favorite charity in Alyssa's name.