Carolyn Peterson, 77, lifelong resident of Hamden, passed away on October 21, 2025 after a short illness. She was born in New Haven on April 30, 1948, to Pamela Schwab Castiglione and the late Dr. Frank Castiglione. After graduating from Hamden High School, Carolyn attended Springfield College before receiving her master's degree from SCSU. For 35 years, she taught 3rd grade in Hamden starting at Ridge Hill, St. Rita's, and finally Shepard Glen, where she worked until her retirement. As a teacher Carolyn was loved by all her students for appreciating their individuality and bringing out their positive attributes. Carolyn had a smile that lit up a room and a heart that knew no boundaries. She was never one to forget a friend's birthday and always acknowledged their special day with a kind word or a thoughtful gift.
Besides her adoring husband of 54 years, Thomas Peterson, Carolyn will be lovingly remembered by her son, Tyler Peterson; her siblings and their spouses, Cherie Castiglione, Pamela and Dr. Sam Potolicchio, Emily Coassin, Hope and Tom Gower, Joseph and Jan Castiglione, Dr. Charlie and Connie Castiglione, and Dr. Frank and Jan Castiglione; her brother-in-law, Michael Peterson, and his wife, Cookie Cusano Peterson, who was also Carolyn's life-long friend. She was predeceased by her brothers-in-law, Larry Coassin and Barry Lutin.
Friends are invited to visit with her family on Wednesday, October 29th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, followed by her Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will be private. Contributions in Carolyn's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org/ct . To send a condolence to her family, please see her obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.