Gay Petruzzi Ritter “Nana” 77, of Westbrook, passed on February 2, 2022 at Middlesex Hospital with her daughter by her side. She was born on February 12, 1944 in Bristol, CT, the daughter of the late Gerard and Mary (O’Leary) Castonguay. She graduated from hair dressing school and opened her own salon in Bristol, Hair Fashions by Gay. She had many talents including: sewing, decorating, crafting of all sorts, floral arrangement design, and she had a green thumb when it came to plants and flowers. After contemplating a career change, she decided to follow her passion for crafting and opened a shop with one of her sisters, Crafts by the Farmer’s Daughter. Over the years, Gay became an avid painter and found her own style. She painted almost every day and she was an active member of the Connecticut River Artisans in Essex.
She was predeceased by her husband, Barnaby Ritter. She is survived by her daughter, Marybeth Petruzzi and her partner, Vito Iallonardo of Westbrook, her step-son, Chris Ritter and his wife, Jaclyn of Cheshire, her grandchildren, Olivia Iallonardo and Logan Ritter, several nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and great-nephews. She leaves a sister, Gail Miller of Westbrook and she was predeceased by a sister, Ann Testa of Bristol. A Celebration of Gay’s life will be announced at a later date.
There are no calling hours. A special thank you to all the wonderful staff at Middlesex Hospital who provided such compassionate and loving care.
