Tributes

Concetta Geraldine “Connie” (Mezzacapo) Gonnella, age 87, of Dyer, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025. She was born on July 20, 1938, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Frank and Helen Mezzacapo. Connie was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Frank and Helen Mezzacappo; her devoted husband, Antonio “Tony” B. Gonnella; her brother, Anthony “Tony” Mezzacapo; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Guilio and Maria DiNicola; and her sister-in-law, Patricia “Pat” Mezzacapo. She is survived by her brothers, Angelo Mezzacapo and Jerry Trott (wife Donna); her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Giovanni “John” and Rosaria “Rose” Gonnella; her son, Antonio “Tony” Gonnella (wife Leslie); and her daughter, Elsa Zell (husband Mike). She was a proud grandmother to Ashley Foresta (husband Adam), Allyson Beiswanger (husband Bill), and Olivia Gonnella, and a loving great-grandmother to Alexa Reeder, Aspen Foresta, and Brooklyn, Willow, and William Beiswanger. She also leaves behind cherished step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and close friends and family members who will miss her dearly. Connie’s life was defined by her faith, her devotion to family, and the traditions she made, which will be continued on by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love, where everyone felt welcome. Her kitchen was always the heart of her home. Connie was especially known for her well-loved meatballs, the heart of so many meals and memories, and no one ever left her table hungry. For Connie, meals were never just food — they were an act of love, a way of bringing people together, and a reflection of her deep generosity. A woman of strong Christian faith, Connie lived her life guided by prayer, devotion, and trust in the Lord. She passed down the values of faith, kindness, and perseverance, and her legacy continues through the lives of those she loved. To her family, she was everything a mother and grandmother should be — loving, strong, and irreplaceable. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Memory Lane Funeral Home, 6305 W. Lincoln Hwy, Crown Point, IN. A Funeral Service will immediately follow on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Memory Lane Funeral Home. Connie will be laid to rest beside her husband, Tony at Memory Lane Memorial Park.

Tributes

Connie G. Gonnella

July 20, 1938 - September 19, 2025