Emanuela "Nellie" Barone, age 71, of Middletown, CT passed away on Tuesday, March 15, surrounded by her family. Born in Melilli, Sicily, Italy, on January 5, 1951, Nellie was the daughter of the late Paulo Maltese and Angelina (Branciforte) Maltese.
Nellie was a beloved wife, mother and Nonna, who devoted her life to caring for her family.  She was one of the best friends one could ever have, and was always a source of support, love, laughter and strength.
While she served many years at the Middletown Tax Collector's office and also had legendary cooking skills, Nellie's greatest source of pride was her grandchildren, whom she never tired of hearing about or spending time with.   Nellie was a member of St. Sebastian's Church, and her strong faith gave her great strength and peace in life.
Nellie is survived by her loving husband, Sebastian Barone, of Middletown, CT.  She is also survived by her adoring children, Marion Manzo and her husband, Richard, Angela Paydos and her husband, Timothy, and Joseph Barone and his wife, Jennifer.  Nellie also leaves behind her six beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Emily and Katie Manzo, Salvatore Italia, and Sebastian and Elizabeth Barone.
Nellie is also survived by her dearly loved sister, Lina Fazzino and her brother in law, Anthony Fazzino, three sisters-in-law, Carmelina Bartolotta, Lucy Marchese, and Nella Morello and husband, Joe, brother-in-law Fred Rau, as well as several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Maria Rita Rau.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 19 at St. Sebastian's Church in Middletown at 10:00 am.  Burial will be at St. Sebastian's Cemetery, Middlefield.  Friends and family may call at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown, on Friday evening, March 18, from 5 to 7 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made in Nellie's name to Discovery to Cure, Yale School of Medicine, www.wizathon.com/campaigns/1497