Obituary of Melissa Fry Yerrington

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Melissa Ann Fry Yerrington, age 50, a woman who truly had an impact on every person who crossed her path. Melissa passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, February 18, 2025, at home with family by her side. She was born on October 15, 1974, in Bridgeport, CT, to Elaine Capozzi Fry and the late James Fry, and was a lifelong resident of Monroe, CT.

Melissa loved being a mother, and will be lovingly remembered by the light of her life, her daughter, Lily Yerrington. Melissa was also a devoted and loving aunt, and will be lovingly remembered by her nieces, Emily Fry (Joe Lauretti) and Brittany Mainiero (Michael Mainiero), and great-nieces, Lucia Lauretti, Sofia and Liana Mainiero, all of Shelton. Additionally, she leaves behind two brothers, Anthony Fry (Laura D'Angelo) of Shelton, and Jeffrey Fry of Monroe; aunts Deborah Capozzi Mancini and Donna Capozzi, both of Bridgeport, and Louise Fry Cosgrove of Stratford; uncle Raymond Fry of Florida, and many cherished cousins as well as hundreds of beloved friends.

Melissa graduated from Masuk High School in 1992. She then spent years taking care of the elderly at Ashlar of Newtown, CT, before she became a dedicated, renowned massage therapist for over 15 years at Massage Envy in Fairfield.

Melissa was truly one of a kind. She was genuine, passionate, and selfless, and lived each and every day with gratitude. Melissa would give the shirt off her back to help a stranger in need. You could call her at any time, day or night, and she would be there in her special 2004 Ford Explorer, "Janelle." Melissa loved to laugh, and had a hilarious, larger than life personality. She LOVED food – both eating and cooking – particularly, Duchess Big D Cheeseburgers and hot dogs, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, chicken cutlets, and her mother's string beans and braciole, to name a few.

However, Melissa's favorite "things" were not "things" at all – she always said "the best things in life aren't things". She was happiest with family and friends, making memories, and living life to the fullest. Melissa was a devoted Christian, and a member of Cornerstone Church in Oxford. She would always say that Jesus was her #1, her Lord & Savior. She never once lost her faith during her battle. Melissa battled aggressive pancreatic cancer for 17 months. And while she died from cancer, it would be incorrect to say she "lost" the battle. Melissa fought with determination and grit, inspiring everyone around her. We owe special gratitude to the medical staff of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, particularly Dr. Kenneth Yu. Dr. Yu and and his loving and supportive staff are the best of the best, and gave Melissa the opportunity to have as much time as possible with her family and friends.

Melissa is preceded in death by her father, James Fry; grandparents, Anthony and Theresa Galatie Capozzi, and George and Eleanor Christy Fry; aunt Joanna Fry; uncle John Mancini; and her infant son, Ryan Yerrington.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate Melissa's life will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Interment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Monroe. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

Melissa loved flowers. However, if you would like to also send a gift in her honor, please consider a donation in her name to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. giving.mskcc.org