Florence (Philomena) Ercolano Mattei, age 88, of Washington Ave, formerly of Wilbert St, Hamden, passed away Feb. 2, 2010. Florence is the widow of Edward J. Mattei. Born in New Haven on May 22, 1921 she was a daughter of the late Joseph & Antoinette Ruggiero Ercolano. Florence was a retired clerical worker for Southern New England Telephone Co. She is survived by her sisters, Rose Ercolano of Hamden, Rita Santini of Orange & Maria Astorino & her husband Arthur of Hamden; sister in-law Mary Ercolano of Hamden and several Nieces & Nephews & Grand Nieces & Nephews. Florence was predeceased by her sister, Genevieve Gaudio & her brother, Joseph Ercolano. She was a member of the Hamden Women's Club and the Telephone Pioneers. Her family would like to thank the staff of Celentano 3 at St. Raphael Hospital & the Staff of Whitney Manor for their support and care in her time of need. Her funeral will leave from BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010 at 10:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM in the Church of St. Rita. Friends may also visit with her family at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Her interment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamden. Contributions in her memory may be made to: Dr. Mel Goldstein Multiple Myeloma Fund, Yale Cancer Center, 157 Church St. 10th Fl, New Haven, CT 06510-2100.