Lena Criscuolo Franco, 82, of Wallingford, formerly of East Haven, beloved wife of the late Nicholas Franco, passed away on September 20, 2026 at MidState Medical Center with her family by her side. Loving mother of Mark F. (Lisa) Franco of Wallingford and the late Paul Franco. Proud grandmother of Paul (Rachel) Franco, Maria (Nick Martone) Franco and Mark N. Franco who brought her much joy. Great grandmother of Matteo and Paul Franco. Sister of the late Joseph, Henry and Paul Criscuolo. Sister-in-law of Laura Criscuolo of Branford and the late Connie and Lucille Criscuolo. Aunt of the late Anthony Criscuolo. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews who remained close to her heart.
Lena was born in New Haven on October 17, 1943 daughter of the late Paul and Mary Garguilo Criscuolo. Prior to her retirement, Lena worked as a hairdresser in several area beauty salons. She was a longtime and devoted parishioner of St. Clare Church, where she was also a member of the Ladies Guild. She was also a dedicated member of The Shore Angels, an organization committed to supporting and raising funds for numerous charitable causes. Lena had a love for traveling, cooking, and spending time at the casino. She was a kind and very generous woman who found great joy in giving to others and sharing her time with those she loved.
Her funeral procession will leave the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven FRIDAY morning, September 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Our Lady of Pompeii Church at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery. Family and friends may call Friday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Sign Lena’s guest book online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.
