Diana M. Pekar

Diana M. Pekar, age 81, of Shelton, beloved wife of the late Andrew Pekar, passed away after battling an unexpected illness on July 26, 2024. Diana was the daughter of the late Angelo Galello and Mary Pimpinelli of Stratford. 

A member of the first graduating class of Bunnell High School in Stratford, she went on to attend the Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing where she became a Registered Nurse. She practiced nursing for a number of years before dedicating her time to raise her daughters at home. As her daughters grew into adulthood, Diana focused her efforts to supporting Andrew at the Flower Basket in Stratford, a business they invested their time and love, for an unforgettable 40 years. 

Diana’s many interests include reading books, listening to an array of music, most notably Elvis, and her strong commitment to faith at church. She was an extremely charitable individual that wanted to help any organization or person in need, offering kindness and opens arms for those seeking comfort. Most of all, Diana valued family. Her most cherished experiences included the company of others. Diana loved to watch the Boston Red Sox with her brothers, laughing at the arguments that arose following a rival game against the Yankees. She would attend her daughters’ dance recitals  and watched in awe as they took the stage. Through her later years Diana expressed love and gratitude as her daughters overwhelmingly supported her with home cooked meals and quality time together, creating special memories along the way. She cared deeply for animals of all varieties, including her dog Ally and cats Felix, Sylvester and Hailey. Nothing could beat a holiday dinner at home surrounded by the people that she loved. Above all, Diana was proud of her grandchildren. She played a vital role in raising her grandkids with every ounce of love possible. No matter what interests they had or path they followed, Diana showed unwavering support for ‘her boys’ along the way. She reminded them that she would be ‘the angel on their shoulder’ wherever they went, which holds true to this day. Diana is survived by two daughters, Cheryl Peterson and son-in-law Wayne of Shelton, Kimberly Marini and son-in law Sam of Shelton, most adored grandsons, Jeffrey Peterson and Samantha of NYC, Brett Peterson and Malvina of Boston, Nico and Alec Marini of Shelton, one sister, Debbie Engelhard of California, and many nieces and nephews. Diana was predeceased by her loving husband Andrew, of 54 years, and three brothers Thomas, Richard, and Robert Galello, and sister in-law, Kathleen Ambrose and her husband, Ronald. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church at 420 Coram Ave, Shelton, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the Galello-Luchansky Funeral Home at 2220 Main St, Stratford. In lieu of  flowers, those who so desire may contribute to a charity of their choice in Diana’s memory. 

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