Carolyn Guertin Ridolfi

Carolyn Guertin Ridolfi, 85, passed peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, May 4, 2023. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, and will be missed by all.

Carolyn was born April 20, 1938, in Needham, Massachusetts, youngest daughter of Francis and Myrtle Guertin. She attended Newington Senior High School in Newington, Connecticut, where she was active in field hockey, band, and basketball. She graduated second in her class in June of 1956, and delivered the Salutatory Speech at the graduation ceremony. She then attended Bryant College of Business Administration and graduated Magna Cum Laude in August of 1958. She completed a four-year course in two years, obtaining a Bachelor of Secretarial Science Degree. Following in her mother's footsteps, Carolyn was a devoted member of the Order of The Rainbow for Girls since August of 1955. While attending Bryant College, she met and married her husband, Eugene F. Ridolfi. They settled in Ridgefield, Connecticut, had three daughters, then moved to Port Charlotte, Florida, in 1972, where her parents were already residing. Once in Port Charlotte, Carolyn owned and managed a Hallmark gift shop for a number of years, making many lifelong friends in the community. She also spent many years as an Administrative Assistant in several Real Estate offices in Port Charlotte.

Throughout her life in Florida, she lovingly raised her three daughters, took in and cared for numerous four-legged creatures, and worked tirelessly to provide for them all. Having grown up in the northeast region of the United States, she quickly grew to love Florida’s warm, sunny weather. Some of her favorite pastimes were gardening, going to the beach, and watching every sport imaginable, her favorite being Nascar. Carolyn was selfless to a fault, and always put others before herself. Her generous and loving spirit will live on in the memories of those who knew and loved her.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving parents, Francis and Myrtle Guertin, and her sister, Jane McCarthy. She is survived by her daughters, Pamela J. Ridolfi and fiancee Tim Bridges, Linda Ridolfi Porter and her husband Mike Porter, and Sally (Ridolfi) Gorman and her husband, Kevin Gorman, grandchildren Adam Barrett and Madison Wright, and great grandchildren, Liam Barrett and Presley Barrett.

Memorial services will be held at a later date with interment at Restlawn Memorial Gardens in Port Charlotte, Florida. Memorial contributions in Carolyn's name may be made to The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County. Friends may visit online at www.nationalcremation.com to extend condolences to the family.