Carol Staron Modugno, 87, of South Windsor, Connecticut, beloved wife of the late Michael Modugno, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Carol was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and was the cherished daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Pikula) Staron. Raised in Wethersfield, Carol graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1957 and went on to attend St. Joseph's University.

Carol's distinguished professional career spanned decades and reflected her ambition and boundless purposeful energy. She commanded high-level executive administrative roles within prestigious private law practices, corporate giant Aetna, and the distinguished halls of the Connecticut State Legislature. Never one to slow down, she later poured her rich expertise into many years of dedicated service at the Manchester Probate Court, ultimately officially retiring from Manchester Community College at the remarkable age of 84.

Carol was best known for being the ultimate hostess, which dates back to the 1950's when she was Chairwoman of the St. Joseph's College Spring Tea. When holding large family holidays and events, every room was filled with gourmet home cooked food, her special Italian cookies and, of course, her famous apple pie. If you were one of the lucky ones, you got to bring one home.

Those who knew Carol will remember her as selfless and encouraging. She famously expressed her support through handwritten letters sent to family, friends, and even her grandnieces and nephews. These letters, frequently tucked with newspaper clippings of articles she thought they would enjoy, brought immense warmth and reflected her attentiveness to those she loved.

Carol had an endless curiosity and love of learning. An avid reader with a special interest in the stock market and a passion for real estate, Carol was a wealth of knowledge. She was discerning, astute, and well-written; not to be fooled. She loved sharing her financial wisdom, often reminding others to "work smart, not hard, and make your money work for you."

Outside of her business interests, she was a devoted UConn basketball fan who never missed a game. During the season she would always begin a conversation with her signature question, "Did you watch the game?" It became one of the many things her family will always remember with a smile.

Above all, Carol treasured being surrounded by family. She loved spending summers at their home in Niantic, Connecticut, where she created countless memories with her children and grandchildren, whom she adored. Family was always the center of her life, and she would always remind those she loved, "You can always count on family." Everyone can count a time when Carol came through for them. She was strong, unwavering, and provided strength in waves, but even a drop of her influence could make the difference.

Carol's legacy lives on through the love she gave so freely and the wisdom she generously shared. She is survived by sister Mary Beth Staron; her loving daughters, Vicki Brodeur, Elizabeth Hale and her husband Howard, and Amy Vignone. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Ryan Brodeur and his wife Rachel, Christopher Brodeur and his wife Toni, Danielle Brodeur and her partner Matt, Michael Hale, and Justin Hale; and her cherished great-granddaughters, Gianna Diulio, Giuliana Maynard, and Cassidy Cole. She is further survived by her nephews, John Romano and his wife Jasmin, Matthew Staron, Cameron Staron; her niece, Allison Romano; and her great-nephews, John, Nicholas, and Adrian Romano. Carol is survived by her sister-in-law, Penny Staron. Carol was predeceased by her beloved brother, Peter Staron. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

The Services

A funeral service mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield, Connecticut, followed by a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carol's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org).

For online condolences please visit Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home - dillonbaxter.com