Lorraine Mary O'Connell Romano
May 6, 1949 ~ December 19, 2025
Born in:
New Haven, CT
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
Lorraine Mary O’Connell Romano, 76, of Hamden, died peacefully surrounded by her family at Yale New Haven Hospital, on Friday, December 19, 2025.
She was born in New Haven on May 6, 1949 to the late William and Helen Cassidy O’Connell Sr. and grew up on Lakeview Avenue in Hamden. Lorraine graduated from Hamden High in 1968 and worked throughout the Hamden Public Schools for 24 years as a paraprofessional and administrative assistant at numerous buildings and departments. During her career she created lasting friendships and made deep impacts along the way.
Lorraine was predeceased by her brother, William O’Connell, Jr. She will be lovingly remembered by her dedicated husband of 55 years, Frederick Romano. She also leaves countless others with treasured memories of her loving spirit, including devoted daughters, Katie (Scott) Trauner and Melissa (Bill) Romano; son, Michael (Jesenia) Romano; and brother, Edward O’Connell. Lorraine’s heart was made full by her adoring grandchildren, Sophia Romano, May and Doug Trauner, Gabby Pesticci, and Jack, Chloe and Maddy Bafundo. Nothing motivated Lorraine more in overcoming unimaginable odds than being a grandma. Her greatest joy came from being present and engaged in all of her grandchildren’s lives. And nothing inspired her family and friends more than her relentless strength and example of courage and grace.
Lorraine loved living an active life and enjoyed gardening, especially nurturing her towering sunflowers and spectacular blue hydrangeas. She enjoyed knitting thoughtful gifts for others, cheering at her grandchildren’s games, baking chocolate cupcakes for birthdays, and laughing with her Golden Girls, Barbara Joslyn, Gerry Badamo, and Maureen Forselius. Lorraine also enjoyed traveling with her husband and their friends, Joe and Joanne Howland, and being beside the calm beauty of the ocean, particularly her beloved spot at Stony Creek.
Friends are invited to join her family for a Memorial Mass celebrating Lorraine’s life on Monday, January 5th, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave., Hamden. Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT in care of arrangements. Donations in memory of Lorraine can be made to The Sisters’ Project: www.thesistersproject.org/donate. To leave a condolence for her family, please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.
Services
Memorial Mass: January 5, 2026 10:30 am
St. Rita Church
1620 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06517
203-248-5513
Dear Scott and Missy, I am so sad to hear of dear Lorraine’s passing. We knew her in so many ways; Mom,Mom in law, Grandma, and our sweet secretary in the nurse’s office. She was so courageous and determined to overcome her medical issues! A true hero who inspired so many. She was always a ray of sunshine! May she rest in peace.🪽❤️
My deepest condolences to the Romano/Trauner family. Lorraine will be truly missed. I have so many memories and stories about her and my mom. She will live on forever in your hearts. She was loved by so many💔. Kathy(Fiedler)Morgillo
I send my deepest condolences to Fred, Katie, Melissa, Michael, and my cousin, Edward, on the sudden passing of Lorraine. I will keep your entire family in my thoughts and prayers.
Justine Cassidy Early and William Early
Hamden CT
Cousin Lorraine,
I know you are in heaven with your mom, dad and Billy. Condolences to Fred, your children , grandchildren and brother Eddie. I have pleasant memories of running into you at the St Patrick’s Day parade in New York. Rest in peace, cousin
Peter
Karen and Brian Forsyth
To Romano/Trauner families,
I am truly sorry to her about Lorraine. We had some good times while working at HPS. She always had a smile and never had a bad word to say about anyone. Lorraine and Marge are up in heaven smiling together. She will be truly missed.
Sending loving prayers to Fred Missy Katie and Michael. Lorraine was a great friend and wonderful person. Our hearts are broken with her loss. May all of your wonderful memories keep you going in these hard times. She will be greatly missed by all. Barbara and Dave Nelson and family.
Dear Fred & family,
So very sorry for your loss. Warm, caring, funny, generous & such Irish pride! Devoted & loving wife, mother, grandmother! Loyal friend! She enriched us all & inspired us with her strength & grace! With love, prayers & our heartfelt sympathy.
Mickey & John Flanagan
So very sorry for your loss. Lorraine was such a sweet, beautiful person. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May all the wonderful memories you hold in your hearts bring you comfort knowing she’s at peace 🙏
With Deepest Condolences,
Linda DeLucia
Kate & Missy
I was so shocked to learn of your Mom’s passing. You kids were all good friends with Matt, Christina & Gerald through out your school years. Our trip to Italy with your Italian class was the best in memories. Your Mom & I became friends at our 1st PTA meeting . She was always ready to help! We are honored to have known her and her family. Love to you all,
The Apuzzo’s
ernie and I are so sorry to hear about Lorraine We both knew her through her many positions in Hamden Schools Always professional and had a great sense of humor Our prayers are with you all–she will be sorely missed
My deepest sympathy to Lorraine’s family and loved ones. Our families lived across the street from each other on Dorman Street in New Haven. Mrs. O’Connell was my mom’s best friend since they were kids and I walked to St. John the Baptist school with her and Paul Keating. Eddy went to ‘SJB’ with my oldest sister Patty and Billy with either one of my sisters Kathy or Pam, not sure which one. I would run into Lorraine at St. Rita’s on occasion and she was always sweet and friendly. I was deeply saddened when I read of her passing and I’m sure she’s in heaven with her parents and Billy and all of her loved ones.
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Lorraine. She was such a wonderful and kind soul. I have fond memories of her from my years at Hamden Public Schools and seeing her after masses at St. Rita’s. She was truly one of a kind and could always make you smile. I’ll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.