Mary Lou Ciriello

Watertown – Mrs. Mary Lou (Barbieri) Ciriello, 95, passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, July 6, at the Vitas Inpatient Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was the widow of retired Watertown Police Chief Joseph A. Ciriello.

Mary Lou was born September 28, 1926 in Oakville, daughter of the late Crecenzo and Mafalda (Pietrorazio) Barbieri. Raised in Oakville she attended local schools and was a graduate of Waterbury Catholic High School, class of 44. She had been employed for many years as a bookkeeper, starting at Chase Brass and Copper, Diamond Ginger Ale and finally as accounts manager for T & L Trucking from where she retired. She was a communicant of St. John the Evangelist Church and a member of the VFW Woman’s Auxiliary. With an interest in music, she also learned to play piano and accordion at an early age. Being active into her 90's she enjoyed many hobbies such as bowling, sewing, knitting, collecting and cataloging cooking recipes, which she would experiment with on a regular basis. She will be also remembered for the creation and design of beautiful wedding, birthday, and graduation cakes that were made for many family members and friends. She was very loving, family orientated, and always ready to lend a helping hand in times of need.

Mary Lou is survived by her son, Gary J. Ciriello and his wife Deborah of Watertown, with whom she resided; her granddaughter, Tanya M. Sorensen and her husband David and two great-grandchildren, Owen J. Smith and Edie Lou Smith, who currently reside in Pennsylvania. She also leaves to cherish her memory many nieces and nephews including Scott M. Roncarti and his wife Kathleen of Watertown and Dawn M. Belval of Thomaston, who referred to her as their second mom. She was predeceased by her sister, Rose Marie (Barbieri) Roncarti.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, July 11, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Bergin Funeral Home 290 East Main St. Waterbury. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 574 Main St. Watertown at 10:00 A.M. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.