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12/27/2023 01:30 PM

Debra Vaiuso Cuticello


On Dec. 20, 2023, Debra Vaiuso Cuticello of Fort Myers, Florida, and Durham, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital. Wife of the late Catello James “CJ” Cuticello. Born in New Haven on March 16, 1952, she was the daughter of the late Carlo Vaiuso and Theresa (Bartiromo) Vaiuso.

Lovingly referred to as “Mrs. C,” Debbie was an adored and adoring teacher at Nathan Hale Elementary School, where she taught first grade for several decades. She was extremely involved and dedicated to helping all children succeed and focused heavily on reading and literacy. She took time, even outside of the classroom, to tutor students throughout the year.

In addition to touching the lives of so many students, she and her late husband CJ enjoyed travel and made regular trips to Bermuda. It should be noted that although she accomplished many achievements in education and community, her head and heart were deeply devoted to her friends and family.

Debra was a loving mother and grandmother. She is survived by her two children: son Jamie (Meghan) Cuticello of Guilford and daughter Jill Cuticello of Brooklyn, New York. Grandchildren, Max, Finn, and Hunter Cuticello; and her brother Joseph Vaiuso. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, Anne Merola, Francis Merola, Mark Merola, Edward Flynn III, and Kathlene DelVisco, whom she loved immensely. She was also the beloved daughter-in-law of the late Vincenzo and Lillian Cuticello.

Friends and family are invited to calling hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, at the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St, Guilford. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield St, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Supporting Our Schools. www.nbcconnecticut.com/tag/supporting-our-schools. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com