This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.

Mel Cartoceti, 66, of Killingworth, passed peacefully on Oct. 12 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Haven on Aug. 8, 1951. He was the son of Norine and the late Amadio Cartoceti.

Mel was the devoted and loving husband of Fran (Valentino) Cartoceti for 41 years. He is survived by his beloved daughter Marissa and son-in-law Adam Lehmacher of Hadlyme, son Andrew and daughter-in-law Elise of Rockville, Maryland, son Matthew of New York, New York, sister Judy Kerin, and in-laws Bill Kerin and Sharon and Don Valentino. His two adored grandsons, Henry Adam and James Mel Lehmacher, were the light of their Papa’s life.

Mel attended Notre Dame High School and earned a B.S. from Fairfield University. He served on the New Haven Police Force for 23 years followed by 20 years as a criminal inspector at the Office of Connecticut State’s Attorney in New Haven prior to retiring in July. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his sons, and he was an avid deer hunter and a dedicated baseball and basketball coach. Most of all, he loved being a father and grandfather (“Papa”).

He spent countless hours at the family home in Plymouth Notch, Vermont with his loved ones. He was passionate about developing long lasting relationships, and he counted fellow police officers and Fairfield University alumni among his dearest friends. Mel’s dry wit, warm personality, and strong sense of kinship were appreciated by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Oct. 24 at St. Lawrence Church, Killingworth. Mel’s interment will be private. The family would like to thank Drs. Jill Lacy, Kapo, Considine, Shirali, and Cavanaugh; Carol Staugaard-Hahn APRN; the nurses and staff of Smilow 8 10 and 12 North; and Kelly APRN and Kim RN of Regional Hospice for their care and compassion this past year.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Closer to Free Fund, Yale New Haven Hospital, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-9979,or www.givetoyalenhh.org. To share a memory of Mel please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements were by Robinson Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.