Dr. Carolyn "Carla" Mariano

Beloved Sister, Teacher, and Nurse

WATERBURY - It is with profound sorrow that the family of Dr. Carolyn “Carla” Mariano, a beloved sister, nurse, and educator, share the news of her peaceful passing at the Complete Care Center of Meriden on March 21, 2025, at the age of 79, following an extended illness.

Carla was born on July 10, 1945, in Macon, Georgia, the daughter of the late John James Mariano DDS. and Marguerite (Ricci) Mariano. A proud graduate of Naugatuck High School Class of 1963, Carolyn went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Connecticut School of Nursing. She continued her education earning her Master's degree in Nursing and later obtained her Doctorate in Teacher Education from Columbia University. Her commitment to nursing and education led her to work at many prestigious institutions, including Hunter College and Downstate Medical Center, where she profoundly impacted the lives of countless students and patients. Carolyn's dedication to the nursing profession culminated in her role as Dean of Nursing at the University of South Maine and as a Professor of Nursing at New York University. After her retirement, Carolyn embraced holistic nursing care and became an active member of the American Holistic Nursing Association. Throughout her life, she nurtured the next generation of nurses, offering her knowledge and insights even while residing in an assisted living center. Carla enjoyed the simpler pleasures of life, such as traveling, photography, art, or just spending time at her family's cottage on Bantam Lake, surrounded by the camaraderie of her friends and colleagues. She also had a love for music playing both the piano and guitar. Carla will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know and love her. May she now enjoy everlasting rest in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her brothers, Rev. John R. Mariano of Waterbury, Thomas J. Mariano of Venice, CA, and David Brian Mariano of Green River Wy, as well as other extended family members and many friends. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dr. Mariano will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Church, 74 W. Main St., Waterbury, CT. Burial will be held privately, at the convenience of her family. There are no calling hours. Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Care 1987 East Main St Waterbury CT 06705 is honored to be caring for Carla and the Mariano Family. To honor Carla’s memory and in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Save the Children Fund at www. support.savethechildren.org would be greatly appreciated by her family. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.