Dolores "Dee" (Branciforte) Russo, 87 of Niantic, formerly of Middletown, passed away on December 25, 2021, at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital with her daughter by her side. She was the wife of the late Sebastian J. Russo. Dee was born in Cromwell, CT on April 14, 1934, the daughter of Vincenzo (James) and Rosa (Carta) Branciforte. She was the youngest of ten children. She graduated from Middletown High School in 1952 and earned her RN degree from Orna M. Wilcox School of Nursing. She married the love of her life on June 8, 1963, and they made their home in Middletown. They were married for 54 years. Dee worked at Middlesex Hospital for many years until her retirement in 1995. Dee and Seb later relocated to their home in Niantic where they made very special friendships. Dee enjoyed cooking and baking, she was an avid reader and made many needlepoint pictures that adorn her home. Her greatest joy in life was being a mother and grandmother, spending endless days at the beach and walking the shores collecting sea glass and shells.

Dee is survived by her daughter Geralyn Russo of Niantic; her grandchildren Vincent (Vin) Russo and his wife Tanya (Jansen) of Ellington; Evan Ternullo and Ava Ternullo both of Niantic; her 15-month-old great-grandson Sebastian (Sebby) Russo of Ellington; her daughter-in-law Ann Marie (Tuccierone) Russo of Apopka, FL; her brother Emilio (Mil) Branciforte and his wife Patricia (Pat) of Cromwell; her sisters-in-law Domenica (Minnie) Branciforte of Cromwell and Santina (Sandy) Branciforte of Middletown, and many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her dearly.

Dee was predeceased by her beloved husband Sebastian J. Russo, her son, Robert (Rob) Russo, her grandson Ryan Ternullo, her brothers: Sebastian, Carmelo, Peter, and Angelo Branciforte; her sisters Mary Branciforte, Mary Certo, Josephine Monarca and Concettina (Connie) Branciforte.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 6th at 12:00 noon at St. Francis Church, 10 Elm Street, Middletown. Masks and social distancing required. Interment will follow in State Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown. There will be no calling hours.

Arrangements are under the direction of D'Angelo Funeral Home.