Melissa Marie Lancia, 53, loving wife of Anthony Robert Lancia Jr., passed away peacefully in her home on May 29 ^th , 2022 after a lengthy battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Born in New Milford, CT on October 2, 1968, she was the daughter of John and Marion Polmon. Melissa graduated Post College in 1988 on the Deans List and went on to work as a Premium Services Analyst at Aetna for 7 years before moving on to The Mattabassett District. There she would finish out her career as an office supervisor for 26+ years.

Throughout her life, Melissa excelled in dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading competing in both her middle and high school years. Her love for the sport led her to coach cheerleading for Saint Pius X Church Basketball Cheer Team. Her passion for dance continued as well as she danced at The Dancer's Image with her daughter Alissa for several years. While she no longer danced, in the years to come she would play an active role during Alissa's time on the Middletown High School Dance Team as a Booster Club mom.

Melissa is survived by two children, daughter Alissa (Lancia) Rossley and her husband Michael Rossley, and son Ryan Lancia and his fiancée Brittney Dorflinger; two grandchildren, Lucy Rossley (2) and Georgia Rossley (1); sister Lori and her husband Kevin Kastelein, sister Keli Geer and her husband Anthony Crecco; brother John Polmon Jr and his wife Amy; and many nieces and nephews. Melissa was predeceased by maternal grandparents Patricia and Wilbur Disbrow; paternal grandparents John and Ann Polmon; and in-laws Anthony Robert Lancia Sr. and Marguerite Lancia.

Melissa's family would like to extend many thanks to Melissa's medical team who was by her side throughout her courageous battle. Thank you to Dr. Harold Burstein (Oncologist) at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Georgia Dangel (Oncology NP), Kelly A Leonard (Oncology NP), Dr. Michelle Gadd (Oncology Surgeon), Dr. Rifaquat Musaffa Rahman (Radiation Oncology), Dr. Wenya Bi (Neurosurgeon), Jeannine S and Deborah D (Infusion Therapy RNs), Dr. Kristen Donato (PCP, DO), and Dr. Canditto Carroccia (Family Chiropractor).

Melissa was a ray of sunshine whose warm heart touched the lives of many. If you knew Melissa you know that you couldn't help but be drawn in by her strength and compassion for others. May she continue to have an impact on us all as her legacy lives on.  In remembrance of Melissa's life, charitable donations can be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Connecticut Region.

Her Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday (June 6, 2022) at 11:30 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 310 Westfield St., Middletown.  Burial will be at a later date at the convenience of her family.  A Celebration of Life will be held following the mass at The Pavilion on Crystal Lake, 144 Prout Hill Rd., Middletown.  To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.