PROSPECT — Diana M. Omicioli, 70, died peacefully in the VITAS IPU at Saint Mary’s Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Diana was the widow of James Omicioli, the love of her life.
Born Dec. 5, 1952, in New Haven, she was the third child of the late Vito and Emma (Nash) Luciani. Diana was always the first to lend a hand, give knowledgeable medical advice, or provide the compassionate skillful touch for family, friends, patients or strangers.
She was the “first call” for many. Her expertise was respected by all her colleagues from doctors to orderlies. Even as she was battling illness herself, Diana continued to help others.
After earning her nursing license, Diana continued to challenge her growth in mastery of her profession. She earned her master’s degree from Quinnipiac University and worked more than 30 years at Yale New Haven Hospital before retiring just a few short months ago.
Family was Diana’s greatest joy. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life. She was a great cook, a devoted wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Her light and love will be cherished by all who knew her.
Diana is survived by her sister, Nancy Luciani of Naugatuck; a brother, Louis (Ellen) Luciani of North Carolina; her adoring grandchildren, Robert (Melisa), Alex (Daniela), Nicholas (Taylor), Maegan (Dave) and Allyson (Adam), all of West Haven; and two great-grandchildren, of West Haven.
She also leaves her cherished stepdaughters, Tina Omicioli and Angela Hemstock, both of West Haven; a nephew, William Hoppe of Prospect; nieces Jennifer Holecz, Kate Cerniglias, MaryKate Luciani and Maggie Farmer; many friends; and her best “furfriend,” her Norwegian elkhound Jimmy.
Diana was predeceased by her husband, James Omicioli and a brother, Robert Luciani.
Visitation for Diana was to be on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Prospect Memoria/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 122 Waterbury Road, Prospect. A celebration of life service was at 4 p.m. In honor of Diana’s dedication to her nursing profession, the Connecticut Nurses Honor Guard was to conduct a nightingale ceremony at 2 p.m. Burial in Prospect Cemetery was private.
Diana’s family would like to thank Matthew “Boo” Lynch for always going above and beyond for Diana, as well as Patty, Pina, Emmie, Martha and Dora and Patty L. for their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Smilow Cancer Center or the Norwegian Elkhound Rescue Foundation are very much appreciated.
Prospect Memorial/The Palmerie Family Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Omicioli and Luciani families. For information, or to share a favorite memory, photo or words of comfort, please visit prospectmemorial.com.
