Frances Acocella, nurse, veteran

Frances C. Acocella, RN, of Ridgefield, a retired nurse whose medical career began during World War II, died on Tuesday evening, April 12, 2005, at Danbury Hospital. She was 80 years old and the widow of August C. Acocella, who died in 1985.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Mrs. Acocella was born on Feb. 12, 1925, daughter of Michael and Polly Sara Garrity Constantine. She grew up and attended schools in Westchester County.

Ten days after she turned 20 years old, Mrs. Acocella joined the U.S. Army, serving as a medical technician from 1945 until 1947. Her last assignment was at Holloran General Hospital on Staten Island, N.Y.

After her service, she studied at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital School of Nursing in New York City, graduating in the Class of 1950.

During her 35 years as a registered nurse, Mrs. Acocella served at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains, Greenwich Hospital, United Hospital in Port Chester, N.Y., and after moving to Ridgefield in 1957, at Norwalk Hospital.

She later did private duty assignments and worked at the Filosa Convalescent Home of Danbury, retiring in 1985.

“Frances was the best darn nurse in New York and Connecticut,” her family said.

Years ago, Mrs. Acocella had been a member of St. Mary’s Church where she sang in the choir. More recently, she attended St. Gregory the Great Church in Danbury.

An avid reader and fan of the opera, she also enjoyed bowling and had belonged to leagues at the old RidgeBowl on Danbury Road. She also loved animals, particularly cats.

Mrs. Acocella is surivived by three daughters, Kathryn Bonnell of New Milford, Carol Acocella of Ridgefield and Janet Cosentino of New Fairfield; three grandchildren, Rachele, Gregory and Damian; and two great-grandchildren, Greta and Caleb.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday in St. Gregory the Great Church.

Burial was private.

Contributions in her memory may be made to ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue), P.O. Box 43, Ridgefield, CT 06877-0043.

The Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, is in charge of arrangements.