Date of Passing
Wake and Funeral Info

DERBY: Karen D. Fearnley, age 68, was called home on October 30, 2022, after a fierce battle with ALS. At the time of her peaceful passing, Karen was surrounded by her family. 

Karen was born on February 23, 1954 to her parents, the late Peter DellaRocco and the late Agnes Devonshuk DellaRocco. A nearly life-long Valley resident, Karen graduated from Derby High School in 1972 where she made many friendships that lasted a lifetime. Following graduation, Karen began working at Bradlees where she met her future husband Arthur W. Fearnley, whom she shared forty-one years together, filled with lots of laughter and even more love. Karen then began employment at SNET where she worked in customer service for over thirty years until retirement. Karen enjoyed helping loved ones, crocheting, reading, and battling the weeds in her treasured flower garden. However, what she loved more than anything else was spending time with her many friends and family members, most especially her four grandchildren.  

In addition to her husband Arthur, Karen’s memory will live on through her son, Robert E. Fearnley Sr. (Anna) of West Haven, and daughters, Autumn Caraglio (Peter) and Kira Fearnley of Derby, her brothers, Phil DellaRocco (Christine) of NC and Carl DellaRocco (Beverly) of Shelton, a sister, Susan Zammarelli of MA, and her grandchildren, Jason Peters, Nathan Caraglio, Zoey Fearnley, and Robert Fearnley Jr. Karen will also be remembered by her aunt, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents, Karen was predeceased by her step-mother, Maryann Melanson Michaud DellaRocco. 

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Monday, November 7, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the chapel of the SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, all are welcome to attend her funeral by meeting directly at 10:00 am at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish/St. Mary’s Church, 212 Elizabeth Street in Derby for a Mass of Christian Burial. Inurnment will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Karen’s memory to the ALS Association-Connecticut, 4 Oxford Road, Suite E 4, Milford, CT 06460 or at www.alsact.org. To sign Karen’s guestbook or share a memory, please visit www.spinelliricciutifh.com.