Jean M. (Ciccarello) Barniski, "97, and a half!" A native of Middletown, Ct., beloved wife of the late Edward Barniski, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2024, at Apple Rehab, Cromwell, Connecticut. Born in Middletown, Jean was the daughter of the late Vincenzo Ciccarello and Rosa (Cantone Ciccarello. Jean was a professional Lyric Soprano, a singer since 1960, She studied music the late Maestro and Mrs. Riggio. Jean's concert tours have taken her all over New England States, New Jersey, Florida. Overseas in Italy and, England. A lifelong member of the Connecticut Opera association, Mrs. Barniski's operatic career highlights, and professional credits includes appearances at The Bushnell Theatre, in Hartford, Godspeed Opera House, East Haddam, Ivoryton Playhouse, Wesleyan's University, 92 Theatre. Middletown's Performing Arts Theatre production of Elsa in the "Sound of Music", Carrie in "Carousel", Annabella in DeKoven's comic opera" Robin Hood", Miss Pinkerton in the C.E.T.'s "The Old Man and The Thief", performed at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT. She also appeared on Cable TV on the "March of Dimes, Telethon and several musical" Italian Programs". Also Live, Catholic Masses throughout the years. She has also served as Church Soloists, at St, Sebastians, Middletown, St. Pius X Church, Middletown, St. Colemans, Middlefield, St. John Church, Middletown and St. John Church, Cromwell.  Jean was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Women's Auxiliary Post 583, and Conn. State soloist for the V.F.W.  and a member of Women's Italian American in Middletown. Jean traveled through-out, Ct, singing for Wedding and Funerals. A Faithful Catholic, Jean could be found every Sunday in Church. loved cooking, and was respected and loved by her family, and offended known as the peacemaker. She loved singing with her best friend Elena Rosano, and Jeans daughter Karen.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Karen Jean Simmons, and her husband Michael of Middletown; her three grandsons, Jason Simmons of Middletown, Steven Simmons and his wife Andrea of Gardiner, Maine, and James Simmons and his wife Laura of  Grove Hill, Minnesota; and four great-grandchildren, Zane, Eden, Lincoln, of Maine, and Juniper Faye, of Minnesota , her sister, Rosemarie Inman of East Berlin, and generations of nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Edward V. Barniski; her brothers, Sebastian, Angelo, Sal, and Santo; and her sisters, Anna, Nellie, Sally, Lucy, and Sister Josephine, MPF. Jean was the 7th child out of 14 Children.

A funeral liturgy will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint John Church, Cromwell. The burial will be held privately in Saint Mary Cemetery, Portland.  Friends may call at Biega Funeral Home 3 Silver Street, Middletown on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Salvation Army, 515 Main St. Middletown, CT 06457, or St., Vincent de Paul's Soup Kitchen, 617 Main Street, Middletown. To share memories, photo or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.