Guiseppa Frese, “Nonni,” went to be with God on Jan. 14 after celebrating 104 years. She was born in Naples, Italy on April 4, 1909. After a marriage arranged by her family she came to the United States in 1932 and settled in Astoria, New York with her husband Ermenegildo. Together they ran a thriving shoe repair business and raised two sons through difficult times. She taught herself English and very proudly became an American citizen.

Nonni showed her family that challenges are part of living and how you handle those challenges is key to leading a fulfilling life. Although she never had material wealth she always made certain that her family was well provided for and had whatever they needed. Next to God, Nonni loved her family (and chocolate) above any material things. Her life’s work and legacy is a big, close-knit, loving family that even miles cannot separate. We will all miss her dearly. 

She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Emenegildo, and her son Vincent Frese. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law John and Antonia Frese of Essex; daughter-in-law Delores Frese of Marietta, Georgia; her grandchildren Lauren Casey and her husband Dan of Dallas, Georgia, Lisa Randell of Kennesaw, Georgia, Gina Paternostro and her husband Kurt of Manchester, Vincent Frese and his wife Monica of Cummings, Georgia, Anthony Frese and his wife Skotti of Cummings, Georgia, John Frese, Jr., and his wife Lisa of Essex, Christina Jagel and her husband Chris of Glastonbury, Jill Clarke and her husband Jay of Franklin, Tennessee, Paul Frese of Georgia, and Diana Marchese and her husband Joel of Essex; also Bonnie Cabaud and her husband Philip of Houston, Texas. She also leaves 34 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great- grandchildren. We will miss her wisdom and advice; her amazing meals and cookies; and her strength and unconditional love.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 4-7 p.m. at Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect Street in Essex. Burial will follow in Saint James Cemetery in Manchester. Memorial contributions may be made in Giuseppa’s name to The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, 1350 Route 9, P.O. Box 300, Garrison, NY 10524-0301, The Foundation For P.S.P., Cure Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, 30 E. Padonia Rd., Ste. 201, Timonium, MD 21093 or to The National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, Connecticut Chapter, 659 Tower Ave., Hartford, CT 06112-1269.