Connie Margotta Dabate
July 31, 1976 - December 23, 2015
Ellington, Connecticut
Connie (Margotta) Dabate, 39, of Ellington, beloved wife and best friend of Richard Dabate, and dedicated and loving mother of Richard "RJ" age 9, and Connor age 6, died tragically at her home on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Born in Rockville, the daughter of Kenneth and Cindi (Stuart) Margotta, she grew up in Vernon and Ellington. She was a graduate of Ellington High School, Class of 1995. Connie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut, Class of 1999. She was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Reckitt Benckiser. Connie was a past vice president, and member for many years, of the Ellington Ambulance Corp. She was a loving, cheerful and kind person. Connie was the sunshine of so many lives, including her sisters and brother, Marliese Shaw and her husband Michael, Leslie Garabedian and her husband Tom, and Keith Margotta and his wife Donna Judge; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Julie Dabate; her sister-in-law, Margie Luna and her husband Manny, and her niece, six nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Her family will receive friends for calling hours on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. directly at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville. Burial will follow in Ellington Center Cemetery. Connie was tragically taken from us far too early, and her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you consider keeping her children in your prayers and make a donation to the Dabate Children's College Fund, c/o United Bank, 1645 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT 06074. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
VERNON — More than 250 people packed St. Bernard Church on Wednesday to mourn and remember Connie Dabate, a wife and mother who was found murdered in her Ellington home just two days before Christmas.
Dabate, 39, was laid to rest in Ellington Center Cemetery after the 1½-hour Mass at the church where mourners paid their respects and celebrated her life, with many hugging those next to them for comfort.
Among them was her husband, Richard Dabate, 39, and her parents, Kenneth and Cindi Margotta.
Richard Dabate held back tears as he and his wife’s parents walked with the casket down the center aisle of the church. The Dabates’ two young sons, Richard “RJ,” 9, and Connor, 6, were not present.
State police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Connie Dabate, whom the chief medical examiner’s office said died of gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen, ruling it a homicide, in her family’s home at 7 Birchview Drive in Ellington on the morning of Dec. 23.
Her husband, Richard, was also found in the home suffering from non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released from Hartford Hospital the same day, state police said. The couple’s children were in school.
State police went to the Dabates home around 10:16 a.m. that morning in response to a burglar alarm, and also encountered smoke in the home. Since then, state police have not said much about what they believe happened, and there has been no arrest.
Trooper Tyler Weerden said Wednesday that the State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad is continuing to investigate the incident and authorities were looking into several leads.
Days earlier state police issued a statement saying that at no time during the incident was there any threat to the public or community.
At the church on Wednesday, Rev. Rick Ricard opened the Mass with several Catholic hymns and prayers, all of which were chosen by Connie Dabate’s family.
“Allow the music to warm your hearts and help you through the mourning process, he said. “Today, we celebrate a beautiful life.”
Ricard described Dabate as someone who exhibited love, humor, and joy, and said she possessed a heart that was “larger than life.”
“People were naturally drawn to her because of that warmth and joy that flowed so naturally from her personality,” he said. “She was a light to her family and was especially devoted to making sure that her two sons were unconditionally loved and cherished.”
Ricard added that Dabate was a model mom and an example to all about what sacrificial love is all about.
“No matter what her two sons needed, it was never a burden to her, it was a joy because she was a mom and she knew God gave those boys to her,” Ricard said.
He said he’s heard innumerable times from Dabate’s neighbors, friends and family that, “no matter what challenges she faced, she did it with a positive spirit and a heart that was filled with faith.”
Her personality was such that she did more than just encounter others — she changed others, Ricard said.
“And it changed us for the better,” he said.
Ricard added that the timing of her death is “at odds” with the season of Christmas.
“All these bright lights and the red poinsettias, the Christmas trees and wreaths, they seem to shout joy and happiness and peace,” he said. “Today, however we don’t feel those symbols.”
When it was time to reflect, Ricard called upon one of the mourners who knew her well — Matt Taylor — who spoke about her character.
“She was a smart, sassy sister, a warmhearted mother and wife, a caring and conscientious co-worker, and a faithful fabulous friend. She was a beautiful lady in every sense of the word, spiritual, emotional, and physically,” he said.
“She was a person that inspired you to do your best, no matter how hard the challenge.”
Although Taylor was the only one to speak at the funeral, many of Dabate’s friends and family members took to Facebook and to the guest book accompanying her online obituary to remember her, express their condolences, and speak about the need for justice in her case.
“Connie, the world has lost an amazing woman. You were the strength that held a family together. I’m sure you will be watching from above. Your family, especially your boys, will forever be in our prayers. I will miss your hugs and always positive words. Rest in peace Connie,” Hank Taylor of North Carolina wrote.
“Connie was one of the best presidents the Ellington Rescue Post 512 ever had,” Patrick Robert Rossow wrote. “She will be missed by every member and every adviser that was there at the time.”
Others called Dabate’s death “tragic” and many expressed the need for answers surrounding her death.
“Oh, Connie, you were always one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. This is unimaginable and I just want to wake up and have it not be real. Praying for your boys and justice! My heart is breaking for you,” Jocelyn Cline wrote on Facebook.
“I’m so sad for everyone hurt by this. I'm anxiously awaiting news and justice,” Élise Du Bois wrote on Facebook.
“I, too, want to see justice served. She was a wonderful person and always so positive ...” wrote Cindy Thomas.
“Connie, we all hope answers are found soon. May you soar the skies,” Jean Marshall wrote
July 31, 1976 - December 23, 2015
Ellington, Connecticut
Connie (Margotta) Dabate, 39, of Ellington, beloved wife and best friend of Richard Dabate, and dedicated and loving mother of Richard "RJ" age 9, and Connor age 6, died tragically at her home on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Born in Rockville, the daughter of Kenneth and Cindi (Stuart) Margotta, she grew up in Vernon and Ellington. She was a graduate of Ellington High School, Class of 1995. Connie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut, Class of 1999. She was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Reckitt Benckiser. Connie was a past vice president, and member for many years, of the Ellington Ambulance Corp. She was a loving, cheerful and kind person. Connie was the sunshine of so many lives, including her sisters and brother, Marliese Shaw and her husband Michael, Leslie Garabedian and her husband Tom, and Keith Margotta and his wife Donna Judge; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Julie Dabate; her sister-in-law, Margie Luna and her husband Manny, and her niece, six nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Her family will receive friends for calling hours on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. directly at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville. Burial will follow in Ellington Center Cemetery. Connie was tragically taken from us far too early, and her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you consider keeping her children in your prayers and make a donation to the Dabate Children's College Fund, c/o United Bank, 1645 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT 06074. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
VERNON — More than 250 people packed St. Bernard Church on Wednesday to mourn and remember Connie Dabate, a wife and mother who was found murdered in her Ellington home just two days before Christmas.
Dabate, 39, was laid to rest in Ellington Center Cemetery after the 1½-hour Mass at the church where mourners paid their respects and celebrated her life, with many hugging those next to them for comfort.
Among them was her husband, Richard Dabate, 39, and her parents, Kenneth and Cindi Margotta.
Richard Dabate held back tears as he and his wife’s parents walked with the casket down the center aisle of the church. The Dabates’ two young sons, Richard “RJ,” 9, and Connor, 6, were not present.
State police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Connie Dabate, whom the chief medical examiner’s office said died of gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen, ruling it a homicide, in her family’s home at 7 Birchview Drive in Ellington on the morning of Dec. 23.
Her husband, Richard, was also found in the home suffering from non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released from Hartford Hospital the same day, state police said. The couple’s children were in school.
State police went to the Dabates home around 10:16 a.m. that morning in response to a burglar alarm, and also encountered smoke in the home. Since then, state police have not said much about what they believe happened, and there has been no arrest.
Trooper Tyler Weerden said Wednesday that the State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad is continuing to investigate the incident and authorities were looking into several leads.
Days earlier state police issued a statement saying that at no time during the incident was there any threat to the public or community.
At the church on Wednesday, Rev. Rick Ricard opened the Mass with several Catholic hymns and prayers, all of which were chosen by Connie Dabate’s family.
“Allow the music to warm your hearts and help you through the mourning process, he said. “Today, we celebrate a beautiful life.”
Ricard described Dabate as someone who exhibited love, humor, and joy, and said she possessed a heart that was “larger than life.”
“People were naturally drawn to her because of that warmth and joy that flowed so naturally from her personality,” he said. “She was a light to her family and was especially devoted to making sure that her two sons were unconditionally loved and cherished.”
Ricard added that Dabate was a model mom and an example to all about what sacrificial love is all about.
“No matter what her two sons needed, it was never a burden to her, it was a joy because she was a mom and she knew God gave those boys to her,” Ricard said.
He said he’s heard innumerable times from Dabate’s neighbors, friends and family that, “no matter what challenges she faced, she did it with a positive spirit and a heart that was filled with faith.”
Her personality was such that she did more than just encounter others — she changed others, Ricard said.
“And it changed us for the better,” he said.
Ricard added that the timing of her death is “at odds” with the season of Christmas.
“All these bright lights and the red poinsettias, the Christmas trees and wreaths, they seem to shout joy and happiness and peace,” he said. “Today, however we don’t feel those symbols.”
When it was time to reflect, Ricard called upon one of the mourners who knew her well — Matt Taylor — who spoke about her character.
“She was a smart, sassy sister, a warmhearted mother and wife, a caring and conscientious co-worker, and a faithful fabulous friend. She was a beautiful lady in every sense of the word, spiritual, emotional, and physically,” he said.
“She was a person that inspired you to do your best, no matter how hard the challenge.”
Although Taylor was the only one to speak at the funeral, many of Dabate’s friends and family members took to Facebook and to the guest book accompanying her online obituary to remember her, express their condolences, and speak about the need for justice in her case.
“Connie, the world has lost an amazing woman. You were the strength that held a family together. I’m sure you will be watching from above. Your family, especially your boys, will forever be in our prayers. I will miss your hugs and always positive words. Rest in peace Connie,” Hank Taylor of North Carolina wrote.
“Connie was one of the best presidents the Ellington Rescue Post 512 ever had,” Patrick Robert Rossow wrote. “She will be missed by every member and every adviser that was there at the time.”
Others called Dabate’s death “tragic” and many expressed the need for answers surrounding her death.
“Oh, Connie, you were always one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. This is unimaginable and I just want to wake up and have it not be real. Praying for your boys and justice! My heart is breaking for you,” Jocelyn Cline wrote on Facebook.
“I’m so sad for everyone hurt by this. I'm anxiously awaiting news and justice,” Élise Du Bois wrote on Facebook.
“I, too, want to see justice served. She was a wonderful person and always so positive ...” wrote Cindy Thomas.
“Connie, we all hope answers are found soon. May you soar the skies,” Jean Marshall wrote
Connie Margotta Dabate
July 31, 1976 - December 23, 2015
Ellington, Connecticut
Connie (Margotta) Dabate, 39, of Ellington, beloved wife and best friend of Richard Dabate, and dedicated and loving mother of Richard "RJ" age 9, and Connor age 6, died tragically at her home on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Born in Rockville, the daughter of Kenneth and Cindi (Stuart) Margotta, she grew up in Vernon and Ellington. She was a graduate of Ellington High School, Class of 1995. Connie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut, Class of 1999. She was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Reckitt Benckiser. Connie was a past vice president, and member for many years, of the Ellington Ambulance Corp. She was a loving, cheerful and kind person. Connie was the sunshine of so many lives, including her sisters and brother, Marliese Shaw and her husband Michael, Leslie Garabedian and her husband Tom, and Keith Margotta and his wife Donna Judge; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Julie Dabate; her sister-in-law, Margie Luna and her husband Manny, and her niece, six nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Her family will receive friends for calling hours on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. directly at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville. Burial will follow in Ellington Center Cemetery. Connie was tragically taken from us far too early, and her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you consider keeping her children in your prayers and make a donation to the Dabate Children's College Fund, c/o United Bank, 1645 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT 06074. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
VERNON — More than 250 people packed St. Bernard Church on Wednesday to mourn and remember Connie Dabate, a wife and mother who was found murdered in her Ellington home just two days before Christmas.
Dabate, 39, was laid to rest in Ellington Center Cemetery after the 1½-hour Mass at the church where mourners paid their respects and celebrated her life, with many hugging those next to them for comfort.
Among them was her husband, Richard Dabate, 39, and her parents, Kenneth and Cindi Margotta.
Richard Dabate held back tears as he and his wife’s parents walked with the casket down the center aisle of the church. The Dabates’ two young sons, Richard “RJ,” 9, and Connor, 6, were not present.
State police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Connie Dabate, whom the chief medical examiner’s office said died of gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen, ruling it a homicide, in her family’s home at 7 Birchview Drive in Ellington on the morning of Dec. 23.
Her husband, Richard, was also found in the home suffering from non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released from Hartford Hospital the same day, state police said. The couple’s children were in school.
State police went to the Dabates home around 10:16 a.m. that morning in response to a burglar alarm, and also encountered smoke in the home. Since then, state police have not said much about what they believe happened, and there has been no arrest.
Trooper Tyler Weerden said Wednesday that the State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad is continuing to investigate the incident and authorities were looking into several leads.
Days earlier state police issued a statement saying that at no time during the incident was there any threat to the public or community.
At the church on Wednesday, Rev. Rick Ricard opened the Mass with several Catholic hymns and prayers, all of which were chosen by Connie Dabate’s family.
“Allow the music to warm your hearts and help you through the mourning process, he said. “Today, we celebrate a beautiful life.”
Ricard described Dabate as someone who exhibited love, humor, and joy, and said she possessed a heart that was “larger than life.”
“People were naturally drawn to her because of that warmth and joy that flowed so naturally from her personality,” he said. “She was a light to her family and was especially devoted to making sure that her two sons were unconditionally loved and cherished.”
Ricard added that Dabate was a model mom and an example to all about what sacrificial love is all about.
“No matter what her two sons needed, it was never a burden to her, it was a joy because she was a mom and she knew God gave those boys to her,” Ricard said.
He said he’s heard innumerable times from Dabate’s neighbors, friends and family that, “no matter what challenges she faced, she did it with a positive spirit and a heart that was filled with faith.”
Her personality was such that she did more than just encounter others — she changed others, Ricard said.
“And it changed us for the better,” he said.
Ricard added that the timing of her death is “at odds” with the season of Christmas.
“All these bright lights and the red poinsettias, the Christmas trees and wreaths, they seem to shout joy and happiness and peace,” he said. “Today, however we don’t feel those symbols.”
When it was time to reflect, Ricard called upon one of the mourners who knew her well — Matt Taylor — who spoke about her character.
“She was a smart, sassy sister, a warmhearted mother and wife, a caring and conscientious co-worker, and a faithful fabulous friend. She was a beautiful lady in every sense of the word, spiritual, emotional, and physically,” he said.
“She was a person that inspired you to do your best, no matter how hard the challenge.”
Although Taylor was the only one to speak at the funeral, many of Dabate’s friends and family members took to Facebook and to the guest book accompanying her online obituary to remember her, express their condolences, and speak about the need for justice in her case.
“Connie, the world has lost an amazing woman. You were the strength that held a family together. I’m sure you will be watching from above. Your family, especially your boys, will forever be in our prayers. I will miss your hugs and always positive words. Rest in peace Connie,” Hank Taylor of North Carolina wrote.
“Connie was one of the best presidents the Ellington Rescue Post 512 ever had,” Patrick Robert Rossow wrote. “She will be missed by every member and every adviser that was there at the time.”
Others called Dabate’s death “tragic” and many expressed the need for answers surrounding her death.
“Oh, Connie, you were always one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. This is unimaginable and I just want to wake up and have it not be real. Praying for your boys and justice! My heart is breaking for you,” Jocelyn Cline wrote on Facebook.
“I’m so sad for everyone hurt by this. I'm anxiously awaiting news and justice,” Élise Du Bois wrote on Facebook.
“I, too, want to see justice served. She was a wonderful person and always so positive ...” wrote Cindy Thomas.
“Connie, we all hope answers are found soon. May you soar the skies,” Jean Marshall wrote
July 31, 1976 - December 23, 2015
Ellington, Connecticut
Connie (Margotta) Dabate, 39, of Ellington, beloved wife and best friend of Richard Dabate, and dedicated and loving mother of Richard "RJ" age 9, and Connor age 6, died tragically at her home on Wednesday, December 23, 2015. Born in Rockville, the daughter of Kenneth and Cindi (Stuart) Margotta, she grew up in Vernon and Ellington. She was a graduate of Ellington High School, Class of 1995. Connie earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut, Class of 1999. She was a pharmaceutical sales representative for Reckitt Benckiser. Connie was a past vice president, and member for many years, of the Ellington Ambulance Corp. She was a loving, cheerful and kind person. Connie was the sunshine of so many lives, including her sisters and brother, Marliese Shaw and her husband Michael, Leslie Garabedian and her husband Tom, and Keith Margotta and his wife Donna Judge; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Richard and Julie Dabate; her sister-in-law, Margie Luna and her husband Manny, and her niece, six nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Her family will receive friends for calling hours on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 4 – 8 p.m. at the Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 11 a.m. directly at St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville. Burial will follow in Ellington Center Cemetery. Connie was tragically taken from us far too early, and her family has asked that in lieu of flowers, you consider keeping her children in your prayers and make a donation to the Dabate Children's College Fund, c/o United Bank, 1645 Ellington Road, South Windsor, CT 06074. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com
VERNON — More than 250 people packed St. Bernard Church on Wednesday to mourn and remember Connie Dabate, a wife and mother who was found murdered in her Ellington home just two days before Christmas.
Dabate, 39, was laid to rest in Ellington Center Cemetery after the 1½-hour Mass at the church where mourners paid their respects and celebrated her life, with many hugging those next to them for comfort.
Among them was her husband, Richard Dabate, 39, and her parents, Kenneth and Cindi Margotta.
Richard Dabate held back tears as he and his wife’s parents walked with the casket down the center aisle of the church. The Dabates’ two young sons, Richard “RJ,” 9, and Connor, 6, were not present.
State police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Connie Dabate, whom the chief medical examiner’s office said died of gunshot wounds to the head and abdomen, ruling it a homicide, in her family’s home at 7 Birchview Drive in Ellington on the morning of Dec. 23.
Her husband, Richard, was also found in the home suffering from non-life threatening injuries and was treated and released from Hartford Hospital the same day, state police said. The couple’s children were in school.
State police went to the Dabates home around 10:16 a.m. that morning in response to a burglar alarm, and also encountered smoke in the home. Since then, state police have not said much about what they believe happened, and there has been no arrest.
Trooper Tyler Weerden said Wednesday that the State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad is continuing to investigate the incident and authorities were looking into several leads.
Days earlier state police issued a statement saying that at no time during the incident was there any threat to the public or community.
At the church on Wednesday, Rev. Rick Ricard opened the Mass with several Catholic hymns and prayers, all of which were chosen by Connie Dabate’s family.
“Allow the music to warm your hearts and help you through the mourning process, he said. “Today, we celebrate a beautiful life.”
Ricard described Dabate as someone who exhibited love, humor, and joy, and said she possessed a heart that was “larger than life.”
“People were naturally drawn to her because of that warmth and joy that flowed so naturally from her personality,” he said. “She was a light to her family and was especially devoted to making sure that her two sons were unconditionally loved and cherished.”
Ricard added that Dabate was a model mom and an example to all about what sacrificial love is all about.
“No matter what her two sons needed, it was never a burden to her, it was a joy because she was a mom and she knew God gave those boys to her,” Ricard said.
He said he’s heard innumerable times from Dabate’s neighbors, friends and family that, “no matter what challenges she faced, she did it with a positive spirit and a heart that was filled with faith.”
Her personality was such that she did more than just encounter others — she changed others, Ricard said.
“And it changed us for the better,” he said.
Ricard added that the timing of her death is “at odds” with the season of Christmas.
“All these bright lights and the red poinsettias, the Christmas trees and wreaths, they seem to shout joy and happiness and peace,” he said. “Today, however we don’t feel those symbols.”
When it was time to reflect, Ricard called upon one of the mourners who knew her well — Matt Taylor — who spoke about her character.
“She was a smart, sassy sister, a warmhearted mother and wife, a caring and conscientious co-worker, and a faithful fabulous friend. She was a beautiful lady in every sense of the word, spiritual, emotional, and physically,” he said.
“She was a person that inspired you to do your best, no matter how hard the challenge.”
Although Taylor was the only one to speak at the funeral, many of Dabate’s friends and family members took to Facebook and to the guest book accompanying her online obituary to remember her, express their condolences, and speak about the need for justice in her case.
“Connie, the world has lost an amazing woman. You were the strength that held a family together. I’m sure you will be watching from above. Your family, especially your boys, will forever be in our prayers. I will miss your hugs and always positive words. Rest in peace Connie,” Hank Taylor of North Carolina wrote.
“Connie was one of the best presidents the Ellington Rescue Post 512 ever had,” Patrick Robert Rossow wrote. “She will be missed by every member and every adviser that was there at the time.”
Others called Dabate’s death “tragic” and many expressed the need for answers surrounding her death.
“Oh, Connie, you were always one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. This is unimaginable and I just want to wake up and have it not be real. Praying for your boys and justice! My heart is breaking for you,” Jocelyn Cline wrote on Facebook.
“I’m so sad for everyone hurt by this. I'm anxiously awaiting news and justice,” Élise Du Bois wrote on Facebook.
“I, too, want to see justice served. She was a wonderful person and always so positive ...” wrote Cindy Thomas.
“Connie, we all hope answers are found soon. May you soar the skies,” Jean Marshall wrote
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