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Leigh Basilone

Leigh Angello Basilone, 65, of Deep River, passed away peacefully at her home on March 10, 2024, after her years-long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was the beloved wife of David A. Basilone and the beloved mother of Ian D. Basilone.

She was born Sept. 3, 1958, in New Haven, the daughter of Joseph Angello and Gertrude “Trudy” Edgerton Angello Gladding.

Leigh was a graduate of Pioneer Valley Academy in New Braintree, Massachusetts, and briefly attended Roger Williams College in Bristol, Rhode Island. After school, she worked at numerous area businesses, including positions as an administrative assistant at two prominent architects' offices. It was at this second office that she met her future husband of 32 years. She later worked in the Guilford Land Use Office for a number of years.

Leigh began what she always called her favorite job in 2007 when she started work at Chester Public Library as a library aide. There, she had the opportunity to meet and befriend many of the library patrons, from children to adults. She thoroughly enjoyed this job and took great pride in it, particularly when it came to directing young people to the young adult section of books and novels. Leigh held this position until her illness prevented her from being able to do her job any longer.

In addition to her time at the library, she enjoyed reading, cooking, working in her garden, watching movies, music, and hiking in Canfield Woods and at Cross Lots in Essex with David and their dog Jasper.

Besides her husband, David, she leaves behind her son, Ian Basilone of Deep River.

She is survived by her sister Angel Agnello of South Ogden, Utah, and her children Cherise Litz, Sara Falugo, and Charles “Bear” Falugo IV and his wife Sarah. She is also survived by her brother, Gary Angello, and his wife, Patty, of Middlefield, and their son, Joe Angello, his wife, Jen Angello, and their son Nicholas Angello and his wife, Stephanie Angello.

The family members wish to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of Middlesex Health Hospice and the Home Health Aides for all of the care and support they provided to Leigh and her family in the final weeks of her life.

Memorial contributions in Leigh’s name may be made to a no-kill animal shelter, an animal rescue organization, a womens’ shelter, or to a museum. Interment will be privately held by her family in the Fountain Hill Cemetery in Deep River, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.