Santa "Tina" (Giurintano) Pitruzzello, of Middletown, Connecticut, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on May 4, 2023. She was 88 years old. Tina was the beloved wife of the late Mario "Nootsie" Pitruzzello. She was born in Melilli, Sicily, Italy on June 16, 1934 to the late Salvatore and Aurora (Marchese) Giurintano. She often reminisced about her days at school with "the nuns," talking about how much fun she had with a twinkle in her eye.

On July 14, 1954, Tina and her family immigrated to Middletown, Connecticut, as one of the first complete families to arrive from Italy to the United States. She married the love of her life on April 18, 1959, and together they raised four children. She was a devout Catholic, a dedicated
member of Saint Sebastian Church, and worked for twelve years at Carmela Coats.

Tina always loved watching basketball, especially the UConn women's team. She also enjoyed shopping and spending time at the casino. Her children, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, and extended family were her pride and joy. She dedicated her life, love, and time to them. She showed her love in so many ways, including cooking everybody's favorite meals of lasagna, scaciatta, pizza, chicken cutlets, and more.

Tina is survived by her three sons and one daughter; William and his wife Kathleen Pitruzzello of Hebron, Stephen and his wife Kathryn Pitruzzello of South Windsor, Gregory and his wife Tina Pitruzzello of Cromwell, and Claudia and her husband Anthony Mafera of Cromwell. Along with her children, she also leaves behind her seven grandchildren; Nathan, Mary, Carly, Nichole, Daniella, Julia, and Talya. Additionally, Tina is survived by her sisters; Nella Bruni of Portland, Vera Mazzotta of Middletown, and Teresa Giurintano of Rocky Hill, along with her brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Joseph Giurintano, sister-in-law Sebastiana (Nella) Giurintano, her nephew Joseph D. Mazzotta, her brother-in-law Salvatore "Jack" Pitruzzello, sister-in-law Victoria Pitruzzello, and nephew John "Jackie" Pitruzzello.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 10, at 10 a.m. at Saint Sebastian Church, 155 Washington Street, Middletown. Burial will follow at the family plot at the Saint Sebastian Cemetery in Middlefield, Connecticut. The family will receive guests from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, at D'Angelo Funeral Home, 22 South Main Street, Middletown.

Memorial contributions in Tina's honor may be sent to Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Road, Middletown, Connecticut 06457 or Xavier High School, 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, Connecticut 06457. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the palliative care unit at Middlesex Hospital for their compassion and support.