Judith King    Feminella

Family Historian

Judith Feminella, 74, of Trumbull, died on Tuesday, August 15, suddenly and unexpectedly in her home. She was the mother of Robin Feminella of Sandy Hook.

Mrs Feminella was born on September 6, 1931, in New York City to Irving and Bertha King. As a young woman in the 1940s, she was one of the first women to gain admittance into the prestigious Bronx High School of Science. She graduated with honors and was soon working as the first woman research chemist for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Brooklyn, N.Y.

When a man named Joseph Feminella was hired to be her boss, taking a position she felt she should have been promoted to, she took revenge by marrying him. Even then, Judith’s sense of humor in life was apparent.

Since her marriage in 1957, Mrs Feminella was always taking on challenges. She and her young family moved every few years as her husband got promotions and transfers. Along the way, she sold real estate, was a substitute music teacher, helped move an entire house, blew up bedrock, and helped to cure avian encephalomyelitis at the University of Minnesota.

After settling in Trumbull in 1973, Mrs Feminella volunteered with Trumbull Emergency Medical Service. She quickly passed all her exams, getting 108 points on her final. She became a crew chief and trained volunteers for years, and became a fixture of the 11 pm to 6 am shift.

No matter what Mrs Feminella was doing or where she was going, she always had a camera in her hands. She loved to photograph her family and the many family cats.

She thought of herself as the family historian, rather than as a “photographer.” She left more than 100 photo albums with each photo humorously captioned.

In her last years, Judith worked at the Superior Court House in Bridgeport as a court monitor. She thrived on being part of the court system and was a fixture there for many years.

Judith was married for 43 years to Joseph V. Feminella, who predeceased her in 1999.

In addition to her daughter, Mrs Feminella is also survived by her loving son, Daniel K. Feminella; her cherished grandson, Ryan C. Feminella; her sweet cat, Bob Dole; and many other close relatives.

Mrs Feminella had that rare sparkling personality that drew in friends wherever she went. She was deeply loved by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 19, at 6 pm, with eulogies starting at 7, in Spadaccino Community Funeral Parlor, 315 Monroe Turnpike in Monroe.

The family requests two things. First, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mrs Feminella’s name to the American Diabetes Association. Second, to bring funny stories about your time with Mrs Feminella and wear bright, cheerful colors to share during the funeral service. Hawaiian shirts especially welcome.

The Newtown Bee        August 18,  2006