Martha Marquette

Martha Veglia Marquette, “88 and ½”, of North Haven, CT, formerly of Orange passed away peacefully on November 3, 2017 with her family by her side.  She was the  devoted wife of Charles Marquette, Sr. until his passing in 1975.  She was also the devoted wife of John W. Heitman until his passing in 2005.  Martha, affectionately called “Hollywood Marty” by close family friends Pasquale and Nadine Civitella, was born in Shamokin, PA on February 22, 1929, and relocated to New Haven with Charles after they were married in 1952.  After husband Charles passed in 1975, Marty relocated to San Diego where she enjoyed living for 30 years before returning to Connecticut to be with family.

Marty was the daughter of the late Samuel and Maria (Quarequio) Oliverio, who immigrated in the 1920’s from the village of San Nicola in Calabria, Italy to the United States to pursue the American Dream. Marty was proud of her Italian heritage, particularly its values of love, family, and hard work.  While still in her early 20’s, Marty owned a small candy store on Columbus Avenue.  She also worked as a waitress at Kaysey’s Restaurant in New Haven with her beloved Uncle, Ralph Quarequio, and cousin Richie.  In her leisure time, she liked to travel, cook, play friendly poker with her siblings and in-laws, go to the casino, watch television, and to talk on the phone with her brothers and sisters, her daughter Linda and nieces Diane and Barbara.  In recent months, she reminisced about her parents and siblings and the special occasions that they are shared during their lifetimes.  She also had one daily job – to look beautiful.  “That’s easy for me; I am naturally beautiful,” she would proudly say.

She was predeceased by her siblings:  Marion (Albert) Augustine, Nick (Helen) Oliverio, Sylvia (Dwight) Munson, and Trio (Josephine) Oliverio, and also by her favorite cousin and dancing partner, Arthur Quarequio.  She is survived by her children: Charles “Chaz” Marquette, Richard Marquette, and Linda (Joe, her “favorite son-in-law”) Barletta, her grandson Joe Barletta, III, and her great-grandson, Joe (“Scooter”) Barletta, IV.    She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.  Within the past year, Marty was blessed with special friends, George and Rhonda, who along with Kim cared for Marty and gave her love and companionship.  Her family would like to also thank all the caregivers for the compassion that they gave to Marty and her family.

Marty will be sadly missed by all but will remain forever in our hearts.

Friends may call at Keenan Funeral Home, 238 Elm Street, West Haven  on Sunday, November 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, November 6 at St. Lawrence Church, 207 Main Street, West Haven, CT at 10 a.m.  Entombment thereafter in St. Lawrence Garden Mausoleum.     

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Masonic Home, 22 Masonic Avenue, Wallingford, CT 06492.

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