WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the family of Elaine Marie (Mariano) Petraroia, age 84, of Waterbury, shares the news of her peaceful passing on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Danbury Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Elaine was born February 19, 1942, in Naugatuck, Connecticut, daughter of the late Anita Orsatti and William Mariano. She spent the younger years of her life as part-owner of Paul's Grinder Shop on North Main Street, Waterbury. Elaine lived a vibrant and memorable 84 years. Elaine always had a deep love for watching people and things grow. Her whole life, her highest priority was taking care of her family, making sure they had everything they needed to thrive. No matter what she was personally going through, Elaine opened her heart and hands to help anyone and everyone who needed a caring presence. This devotion to helping others was central to who she was, and she spent many years working in healthcare, dedicated to caring for residents as her life's work. Grandma Elaine had a true green thumb. She dedicated countless hours to creating and tending to the beautiful gardens that surrounded her entire blue house—a labor of love that meant the absolute world to her. Through tending to them, she learned deep patience and peace. The family is more than grateful for the lessons she taught, as she lovingly tended to us with that same devotion. Gardening and family fed her soul, as well as her deep connection to her faith. Elaine strictly believed in God and that she would go home to Him one day. During the last year of Elaine’s life, she spent most of her time surrounded by her granddaughter Makaila and family, where they laughed, listened to anything and everything Elvis, and did everything Elaine wanted to do (like watching Bobby Flay, singing, ceramics, and repotting her plants).

Elaine is survived by her grandchildren, Makaila Rodriguez, Joseph Fontaine, Nicholas Palladino, and Jaiden Rivera; and her daughter, Jacqueline Fontaine. Elaine also leaves behind other loved ones, including Edwin Rodriguez, her son-in-law. Besides her parents, Elaine was predeceased by her son, Paul Fontaine, daughter, Kimberly Marco, and husbands, Paul Fontaine and William Petraroia.

Funeral services for Elaine will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main St, Waterbury, CT. Burial will follow in New Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends may pay their respects and visit the Petraroia family on Monday, July 27, from 11:00 a.m. until the service commences at 12:00 p.m. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Elaine to share messages of condolence, comfort, and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home's tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements and other gifts of condolence.