By Paul Carroza
April (Blevins) Carroza, 64, of Middlebury, passed away unexpectedly on September 2 while on vacation in Topsail Island, North Carolina. She was the wife of Paul Carroza for 39 years.
April was born in Hartford, CT on April 16, 1959. She was a kind-hearted, loving and giving person her entire life. There was nothing in the world more important to her than her family. April was educated in the Enfield, Connecticut school system. She was a 1977 graduate of Enrico Fermi High School, and a 1981 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. She was retired from the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections, where she spent the majority of her career as a Correctional Counselor. Additional jobs “post-retirement” were as an Addiction Counselor with Help, Inc. of Waterbury and most recently, as a Cashier with Stop & Shop in Watertown.
April had many talents, but none greater than her ability to provide every family gathering with the best deviled eggs anyone ever tasted. Along with her passing goes the “secret recipe”, which she refused to divulge to anyone. She was also a voracious reader. It was not uncommon for her to read four or five novels in a week. She was a fan of the books of John Grisham, James Patterson, David Baldacci, and Nora Roberts. April was also a huge sports fan. She loved watching the New York Yankees, the PGA Tour, Figure Skating, and Pro Tennis. Her final hours were spent watching the U.S. Open. She especially loved the New York Giants and NFL Football.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Paul, and their daughters, Stephanie Johnson (husband Nick) of Southington, and Christie Carroza (fiancee’ Jeff Perrine) of Hume, VA. Her grandchildren, Evelyn and Colette Johnson of Southington. Her sisters, Carrie Donahue (husband Bob) of Cornwall, VT and Lynn Housekeeper (husband Jim) of Mendon, MA. Her brothers-in-law, Mark Carroza (wife Julie) of Essex, CT and Peter Carroza (wife Carolyn) of Oakville, CT. Nephews, Matthew Donahue (wife Heather) of Kennebunk, ME, Michael Donahue of Denver, CO, Mark Donahue of Medford, MA, and Michael Carroza of Plainfield, CT. Nieces, Becky Floeter (husband Joe) of Leominster, MA, Sarah Leacu (husband David) of Bolton, MA, Meaghan Donahue of Summerville, SC, Julia Carroza of Boston, MA, and Jill Carroza of Oakville, CT. April was pre-deceased by her father George, her mother Marjorie, and her brother Jim.
April will be terribly missed by all. She will be particularly missed by her granddog River, and her two cats, Russell Westbrook and LeBron. There are no calling hours. Burial is private at the convenience of the family. Please forward any memorial contributions to your favorite charity or any animal shelter.
April’s family would like to recognize and thank the first responders of North Topsail Beach, NC. The North Topsail Beach Fire Department and EMT’s, and the North Topsail Beach Police Department. In particular, Officer Angela Thompson, Officer Ryan Whanger, and Firefighter James Hunter, whose kindness and compassion will not be forgotten. Additionally, the family would like to recognize and thank Katie Tiller of Coastal Cremations in Jacksonville, NC for her kindness and compassion, and sensitivity.