Jean Bentley

Jean L. Bentley aka Rusty Riccio of Hamden, CT formerly of Fairfield was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She left this world May 21, 2020 at age 72 due to complications of COVID-19.

She was born to the late Earl and Mary Larson on January 18, 1948. After graduating from high school, Rusty graduated from Chamberlain Junior College and then spent many years working at SNET. Rusty later became the most amazing stay at home mom ever known to her children Christine and Thomas, and then the best Grammy to her adoring grandchildren: Charlotte, Tommy, Hazel, and Connor.

Rusty loved spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family, making the holidays extra special, baking up a storm on a moment's notice, throwing the best parties and inviting anyone into her home. Neighborhood children would gather around the kitchen table for after-school snacks or weeknight oil gravy. Rusty always fed an army and did it with a smile. She was truly devoted to her family and it showed in everything she did.  She was an avid gardener, loved to read books, but truly loved spending her time with family and friends. In addition to her parents, Rusty was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Riccio. Survivors include her children: Christine(Bobby), Thomas(Erin), grandchildren: Charlotte, Tommy, Hazel, and Connor, sister Christine Bartow(Kevin), brother Tom Larson(Lorinda), many nieces, nephews, cousins, and her "other" sons: Jason, Gabe, and Larry.

Rusty’s wish was to have a celebration of life. One of her last wishes was to not wear black. Please consider wearing you brightest dress or tie or your favorite derby hat as Rusty did not want sadness or grief, she asked for humor and smiles instead.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 7th, 2021 at 10:00am meeting directly at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to one's favorite charity. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com