WATERBURY - Jeanette Ann Crocetto, a lifelong resident of Waterbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026, at the age of 88. Born and raised in Waterbury, Jeanette lived a life filled with family, friendship, music, and a deep appreciation for the arts.

Jeanette graduated from Anderson Grammar School and Wilby High School. She began her career working as a legal secretary and bookkeeper, where her diligence, intelligence, and attention to detail were widely appreciated. Those who worked with her knew her as dependable, thoughtful, and always willing to lend a helping hand. Jeanette had a lifelong love of music, particularly opera and classical music—a passion she inherited from her mother. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of opera were so well known that she occasionally joined a local radio station as a guest subject-matter expert, sharing her love of the art form with listeners. She also enjoyed hosting dinners with fellow opera enthusiasts, where conversation, music, and laughter were always plentiful.

Creativity was another important part of Jeanette’s life. She enjoyed drawing in pencil and acrylics and chalks. She was also an avid sports fan and a devoted, lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox. Football and many other sports were often playing on her television. Jeanette loved spending time with family and friends, especially around a table filled with good food. Cooking was one of her great pleasures, and she was known for delicious meals she would cook for those she loved. Her specialties included Italian dishes, cookies, cherry nut cake, and German chocolate cake—treats that many will fondly remember and miss. She was also the family historian or whenever anyone had a question on any subject we went to Jeanette. She was everyone’s source of info long before the internet came along. Games were another favorite pastime. Whether playing cards, Scrabble, or cribbage, Jeanette enjoyed good competition and the camaraderie that came with it. She also had a lifelong love of animals and cared for many cats and dogs throughout the years. Her affection for animals began early in life with her first childhood pet—a chicken named Whitey. Jeanette will be remembered for her love of music, her generosity in the kitchen, her loyalty to family and friends, and the warmth she brought to every gathering. Having Jeanette over for holidays was always special and she was often the center of attention.

Jeanette is survived locally by her sister, Loretta Calabrese, her lifetime best friend Jean Boschetti in Palm Desert CA, many and loving nieces, nephews, godchildren, great nieces and nephews and dear friends who will all miss her deeply and remember her warmth, humor, and generosity.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dominic and Carmella (Aufiero) Crocetto; her brothers, Anthony Crocetto, Dominic Crocetto Jr., and Francis Crocetto; and her sisters, Julia Alessio and Angeline “Dolly” Gagain.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Sunday, March 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, Connecticut. A Beautiful Farewell™ service will immediately follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Jeanette 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 and honor their loved one’s memory with floral arrangements or other gifts of condolence.