Obituary of Dolores Mikolkas Garofalo

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother Dolores Mikolkas Garofalo (91) on Dec. 5, 2020. Dolores was born March 24, 1929 the daughter of John and Julia Mikolkas. The family lived in New Britain, CT for many years where Dolores attended school. She graduated from New Britain high school in 1947 and upon completion of high school she attended Central CT State University which at the time was known as “Teachers College” She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1951, and then attended Wesleyan University where she received her master’s degree in Education. Shortly after she began her career in teaching in the West Hartford School System at Sedgwick Middle School, she met many wonderful teachers who became some of her closest friends. Joan Longworth and Rose Badrigian held a special place in her heart. During her summers off she traveled the country visiting most of the states with her best girlfriends. Dolores had said many times that this cross-country trip was a highlight in her life. She later began teaching advanced Biology at New Britain High School, which in addition to the students and faculty made her very happy and fulfilled. She retired in 1992. In 1958 Dolores married Rosario Garofalo and after living in New Britain for a few years decided to build their dream home in Newington, CT. Here they raised their 2 boys and took care of her beloved mother Julia (Cheeky) until she passed in 1992. In 1960 their first son John Michael was born and a few years later in 1963 their 2nd son Daniel Anthony was born. They lived a full & beautiful life in Newington enjoying many good times with her Newington neighbors & friends. In 2010 they decided to make their summer home of 40 years at White Sand Beach, Old Lyme, CT their permanent residence. Dolores and Rosie thoroughly enjoyed their life at the beach and in retirement traveled the world visiting many countries such as Italy, Germany, Austria, and South America, just to name a few. In addition to traveling, she loved walking, reading, shopping, dinners with the beach nuts, book club, painting, cooking, her glass of red wine and making big Sunday & Holiday dinners for her family. Dolores was always known for her delicious pork roast & gravy dinners and her famous baked stuffed shrimp. Dolores was a talented pianist and enjoyed playing for family & friends. Dolores is predeceased by her loving parents, John & Julia Mikolkas her husband Rosario Garofalo, sister-in-law Lena Garofalo Johnson & her husband Frederick Johnson, first cousin Helen McCue and her God-daughter Pamela McCue who held a very special place in her heart. Dolores is survived by her son John Garofalo, his wife Maria and their daughter Jacqueline Garofalo of Killingworth, CT her son Dan his wife Lorene and their children, Kayla, Danny Jr & Alana Dolores Garofalo of Berlin, CT, her niece Nora Johnson, nephew Fred Johnson & his wife Sandy, and their children Melina and Micayla Johnson all of Florida, her cousin Helen’s children, Julie & John Lord, Kim & Steve Prout and their extended families, who all meant the world to Dolores. Dolores was an amazing and hands-on grandmother who had a special relationship with each one of her 4 grandchildren. From swimming lessons, school functions, dance recitals, sporting events to their special trips to Big Y & McDonalds, she was always there for them growing up and later enjoyed many memorable family vacations to Disney World, Kennebunkport, Maine & Turks& Caicos. She was especially proud of them all attending college and seeing Jacqueline, Kayla and Danny graduate. We would also like to mention her beach neighbors & the “beach ladies” whom Dolores dined and socialized with over the years at White Sand beach. She loved you all and enjoyed every minute of her time with you. Funeral services will be held Friday (Dec. 11, 2020) with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at Annunciation Parish (Holy Spirit Church) 183 Church St. Newington. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. A walk through visitation will be Friday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 AM at the Farrell Funeral Home 110 Franklin Sq. New Britain. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Heart Association.