Obituaries

Former Middletown Press Editor Ann DeMatteo Dies After Battle With Cancer

DeMatteo, who covered Hamden for man years, passed away on Sunday at the age of 56.

Ann DeMatteo, a longtime New Haven Register reporter who recently was named managing editor of the Middletown Press, died on Sunday after losing a battle with breast cancer. She was 56.  

DeMatteo was beloved by coworkers, friends and town officials in Hamden, where she was a reporter for several years. The Register eulogized her legacy in a lengthy story published Sunday, shortly after her passing.  

“No other reporter of the hundreds that I’ve supervised had the combination of toughness and compassion that she, to this day, still has,” former Register Editor Jack Kramer told the newspaper.  

Hamden Patch Editor Kathleen Ramunni, who worked as the editor of the Hamden Journal at the same time DeMatteo covered that community for the Register, described DeMatteo in a tribute blog post as a friend rather than a competitor.

“Reporters aren't always the most popular people in the towns they cover,” Ramunni wrote. “It's a testament to Ann's character that at recent Hamden Legislative Council meetings, council president Judi Kozak has called for a moment of silence to remember the battle the Ann was fighting.”   

DeMatteo, formerly of East Haven, had been named the managing editor of The Middletown Press in the fall of 2012, leaving behind her beloved Hamden. Shortly after her promotion, however, her breast cancer — which she had beaten some years back — reemerged.

U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro released a statement on Monday acknowledging DeMatteo's passing.

"Ann was a remarkable woman who we have lost much too soon.  Ann demonstrated a unique courage as she shared her own battle with cancer with her many readers, making her columns a beloved feature.  She informed, inspired and encouraged many of us to become more involved with our communities. Ann touched the lives of many and she will be deeply missed by all of those fortunate enough to have known her."

You can read DeMatteo’s full obituary on Legacy.com.


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