GLASTONBURY, CT – A Glastonbury woman, missing for over eight months, was discovered deceased in her own home, authorities confirmed. The body of 73-year-old Mary Notarangelo was found buried beneath a substantial amount of debris, which had hindered previous search efforts.
Notarangelo, a retired detective from the Bridgeport Police Department, was last seen in June of the previous year. Her disappearance prompted concern among friends and former colleagues, leading to repeated attempts by law enforcement to locate her.
The search for Notarangelo’s body was complicated by the overwhelming clutter within her residence on Tollgate Road. Police described the conditions as some of the worst they had encountered, with debris piled from floor to ceiling, making access nearly impossible.
In July, a concerned friend requested a wellness check after losing contact with Notarangelo. Despite attempts by police, entry to the home was obstructed by blocked doors and windows, leaving authorities unable to confirm her whereabouts.
Efforts to locate Notarangelo included assistance from the Glastonbury Fire Department, state police, cadaver dogs, and drones. Yet, the sheer volume of belongings and trash inside the home thwarted initial searches.
Patti Steeves, a former coworker, expressed her distress over the discovery. She described Notarangelo as a vibrant and larger-than-life personality, saddened by the circumstances of her passing. Steeves recalled attempts to provide helpful information to authorities during the search.
In February, an excavator finally uncovered Notarangelo’s remains beneath layers of clothing, blankets, and garbage. The revelation of her condition raised questions about the severity of her hoarding tendencies, which had gone unnoticed by those close to her.
Friends and former colleagues wish to remember Notarangelo for her dedication to her work and her love for animals, rather than the tragic conditions in which she was found. Her story underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing unsafe living conditions.
For those who may know someone living in similar circumstances, state resources are available through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.