Nelly Wilbur

Nelly (Rinaldi) Wilbur, 80, of Torrington, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Born on November 14, 1945, in Pontelandolfo, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and Maria (Verrone) Rinaldi. Nelly and her family immigrated to the United States in 1952 and settled in Waterbury.

She met and married her husband in 1972, and they made their home in Torrington, where they began their life together. Nelly worked as a telephone operator for over 35 years with SNET, SBC, and later AT&T.

Nelly was forever grateful to her best friend of more than 65 years, Patricia Ksiazkowski, who selflessly donated her kidney to Nelly. This extraordinary act of love saved her life and allowed her to enjoy an additional 23 years with her family—a true testament to friendship, sisterhood, and a bond that extended beyond family.

She is survived by Gerry, her beloved husband of 53 years. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Traci Damon and her husband Jonah Damon; her son, Daniel Wilbur; and her two cherished granddaughters, Kayla Damon (fiancé Austin McQuilkin) and Kiera Damon. She was predeceased by her brother, Rocco Rinaldi.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses of Hartford HealthCare at Home Hospice Care for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provided to Nelly and her family over the past eight months.

In accordance with her wishes, services will be held privately for the family. There will be no calling hours. Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cook Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.Cookfuneralhomect.com