Disturbing Discovery in Glastonbury Home

Mary Notarangelo, who had an intriguing yet secluded existence in her later years, left a trail of curiosity among those who knew her.

On social media, the retired police detective often shared videos of her extensive bird collection at her Connecticut residence.

However, last year, police welfare checks uncovered a troubling reality.

Efforts to locate her in July revealed appalling hoarding conditions at her home in Glastonbury, located southeast of Hartford.

It was only in February that construction workers using a small excavator unearthed her skeletal remains.

According to a police report released on Wednesday, her body was discovered beneath a large heap of debris positioned near her front door.

Officers noted that the state of the detached house was among the worst they had encountered, considerably hampering search efforts over several months.

The entrance was described as a towering, seven-foot-high barricade of trash.

Inside, amidst the chaos, a dead bird was found in a cage alongside a lively mouse and a live cat, all contributing to a foul odor.

Officer Anthony Longo shared a firsthand account, stating, “As I walked inside, I observed more garbage, spider webs and spider piles. There was no path at all. The only way to get from room to room was to climb the trash.”

It remains unclear how Notarangelo met her end.

At 73, she was a retired detective from Bridgeport and had a long-standing affiliation with Wicca, as noted by friends and authorities.

The report of her death first appeared Wednesday via Hearst Connecticut Media.

A medical examiner indicated that the cause of death could not be ascertained due to the advanced skeletal state of her remains.

The initial welfare check request came from a friend on July 3, 2024, who mentioned that the last communication he had with Notarangelo was around June 12. His delayed report to authorities raises questions about why he waited so long to seek help.

Additionally, the protracted search for her body, spanning seven months, continues to baffle many, given the numerous failed attempts attributed to the overwhelming clutter.

A police spokesperson did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the timeline.

A friend, Patty Steves, expressed her deep sadness over the situation, noting, “It’s so upsetting and so sad. She was quirky but such a kind-hearted person.”

Steves spoke about Notarangelo’s deep commitment to her beliefs and her passion for working with animals, stating, “She loved animals more than anything.” She mentioned that Notarangelo was a “bird fanatic,” caring for around 20 birds, including cats and dogs.

Notarangelo dedicated her career to the Bridgeport police from 1985 to 1996, being promoted to detective in 1992 and later to sergeant.

Steves commented on how an injury from a car accident while on duty ultimately led to her leaving the force due to disability.

Despite her struggles, Notarangelo occasionally shared glimpses of her life and her animal love on social media.

Initial searches conducted on July 3, 2024, on the day the welfare checks were requested, yielded no results.

Drones were flown over the property but malfunctioned after crashing into a cob nest.

Subsequent searches took place on multiple dates throughout July and in November.

On February 24, an Environmental Services crew returned to the scene with an excavator, swiftly removing debris from the main entrance.

It was within minutes that her body was uncovered, according to police reports.

In March, a lawyer was appointed to manage Notarangelo’s property, but they have not responded to requests for comment.

Her family, including siblings and a niece, have also chosen not to speak on the matter.