Susan (Bolles) Petell

Susan Bolles Petell, age 80, beloved wife of Allen Petell of East Hampton, CT passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, humor, strength, kindness and so much more.

Born on January 19, 1945 in Hartford, CT, Sue was the daughter to the late Clara Zirkenbach and Richard Bolles Sr. She graduated from East Hampton High School in 1963, and earned her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Connecticut State College, and her Masters of Science in Early Childhood Education from Central CT State University.

Sue’s life was defined by her love of others, compassion, and dedication to family and friends. She was a devoted mother and a loving wife.

Sue was known for her smile, generosity, humor, sarcasm, and being the “Coupon Queen”. She found joy in the smallest things, like knitting, playing board games, going to Cape Cod, and while in the Cape, spending a day at the Christmas Tree Shop! She loved watching her favorite show “Wheel of Fortune”, UCONN Women’s Basketball, going on day trips, and spending time with her family. She is also known for her famous meatloaf, tuna pasta salad, and Easter bunny cake.

She married her high school sweetheart, Ralph (Chick) Nezas, in 1967. They raised two children, Steve and Pam, before moving on to their next adventures. Years later she ran into her old friend, Allen Petell, and one day they finally decided to get married. On March 8, 1987 they exchanged vows, remained devoted to each other and their blended family, and continued to live a happy life for 40 years.

In addition to her loving husband Al, she is survived by a large and wonderful family. Her children: Steve Nezas (Deanne) of Norwalk; Pam Simonds (Steve) of Burlington; Nicole Engel (Jeff) of East Hampton; Todd Petell of Ashford; Scott Petell (Jennifer) of Cambridge, NY. Her grandchildren: Mark Nezas, Alexandra Bond (Noah), Benjamin Simonds; Thomas, Kiera, and Lilly Engel; Zoe and Mackenzie Petell; Cooper and Kennedy Petell. Her siblings: Richard Bolles Jr. (Karen) of Yarmouth Port MA; Kathy Bolles (Wayne) of Glastonbury; Joanne Murphy (Tim) of Eastham MA; Keith F. Bolles (Jane) of Essex; James T. Bolles (Suzy) of Old Lyme. She is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews, and her best friend Nancy Grant of Plantsville.

The family extends sincere appreciation to the caregivers at Benchmark at South Farms in Middletown, Arden Court of Farmington, and her previous caregivers from Companions and Homemakers.

Calling hours will be at the Spencer Funeral Home, 112 Main St. East Hampton, on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5-7pm. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 10am in the East Hampton Congregational Church. Burial will take place at St. Patrick Cemetery in East Hampton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Judes Research Hospital: https://www.stjude.org/. To leave online condolences please visit www.spencerfuneralhomeinc.com.

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