Aurora Cantella
Aurora Cantella, 92, of Riverside, CT passed away on September 6, 2023 at Greenwich Hospital. She was born in Greenwich on December 20, 1930 to the late Joseph and Angelina Ceci.
Funeral services are private.
Marie DiNapoli
Marie (Gesullo) DiNapoli, 95, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023, with her family by her side. She was born in Stamford, CT on December 23, 1927, the youngest of five children of Italian immigrants, the late Maria (Scaperotta) and Michael Gesullo.
Marie was a lifelong Stamford resident. She grew up on Park Street and in later years the family moved to Elm Street. She was a 1946 graduate of Stamford High School and married her high school sweetheart, Alphonse William DiNapoli, in 1948. They raised four children together, built their home on MacGregor Drive in Stamford and enjoyed winters at their Condo in Delray Beach, Florida.
Marie loved both her homes in Connecticut and Florida. She was a homemaker with a flair for decorating who enjoyed spending time with her family, hosting parties and ballroom dancing with her husband Al. She was well known for her sense of fashion and as the woman who always wore a hat.
At the age of 46, Marie entered the workforce. She was employed by General Electric’s Puritan Insurance Company for 8 years, rising to Supervisor. In 1977, Marie and Al purchased the Westport Dairy Queen which they owned for 22 years.
Marie always had a strong passion for Real Estate. In 1986, she inquired about a receptionist job at Juner Properties in Stamford, where she happily worked part-time until well into her late 80’s.
Marie’s family was her universe; she enjoyed being with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the DiNapoli and Gesullo nieces and nephews. She also shared fond memories of holidays past with her husband Al, her siblings, and their spouses; Jack (Lucy), Joe (Josephine), Flo (John), Jennie and her in-laws; Mary and Pat DiNapoli, Margaret (DiNapoli) and Tony Abbazia and Carmella (DiNapoli) and Pete Cantavero, all predeceased.
Marie is loved and will be missed by her family and friends; her children, Rocco DiNapoli (Tina Wignall), Michael DiNapoli Sr. (Diane DiNapoli), Maria Camomilli (Theodore Ogonek) and Alphonse (Billy) DiNapoli Jr. (Tammy Schroeder), grandchildren; Michael, Christopher (Stephanie), Joseph (Jessica), Paul (Wenwen), Stephanie and Jeffrey (Nicole), great-grandchildren, Rocco and Cal, many nieces and nephews and lifelong family friend Frank (Buddy) Gallo.
She was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Alphonse William DiNapoli Sr., in 2010, and her siblings; Joseph Gesullo, Sr., Cresenzo (Jack) Gesullo, Jennie Gesullo Faraynaiz and Raffaella (Flo) Gesullo Bujalos.
A mass of Christian burial will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 18th at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT 06902. The entombment will follow mass at St. Mary Cemetery in Greenwich.
The Family of Marie G. DiNapoli would like to thank Elizabeth Williams from Waveny Home Care of New Canaan and the many healthcare professionals at Edgehill of Stamford for their excellent and compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a memorial donation to a charity of your choice. To leave online condolences you may visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.
Vites Conetta
Vites Conetta, 95, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on September 8,
2023. She was born in Stamford on November 11, 1927, and was one of six daughters born to the late
Vito and Mary Sabato Gerardi.
Vites was a social butterfly who knew everyone and could make conversation with anyone. She loved
people and surrounded herself with her sisters, family and friends. Always an active member of her
community, Vites was a crossing guard for Hoyt/Northeast School on High Ridge Road and a familiar
face at the polls. Filled with boundless energy, she spent more than 20 years greeting and chatting
with customers of the F.W. Woolworth’s, keeping up with all the happenings of Stamford from her
post in the cafe.
Dressed to the nines, she and Pete loved to go to dinner with friends and family, always running into
folks they knew around town. An avid bowler herself, Vites was her sons’ and grandchildren’s biggest
sports fan, always on the sidelines watching them play basketball, baseball, softball, and tennis. She
enjoyed the simple things in life – a hot cup of coffee, catching up with a friend while riding the bus,
and a chocolatey dessert at the end of the day. One of the friendliest people you could ever meet,
Vites’ outgoing and vibrant spirit is greatly missed.
Vites is survived by her loving son, Dennis Conetta and his wife, M’Liss, her daughter-in-law, Lynn
Conetta, and her grandchildren, Kevin, Kaitlin, Jen (Tommy), Casey, Chris and Dennis, as well as her
great-grandchildren, Margot and Peter. She is also survived by her sister, Anna Arena of Florida and
many nieces and nephews.
Vites was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Peter S. Conetta. Vites was also predeceased
by her son, Peter M. Conetta, and her sisters, Josephine (Josie) Ippolito, Mildred (Mickey) Ursone,
Donata (Nettie) Messina, and Roslin Gerardi.
A Mass of Christian burial will take place at Sacred Heart R.C. Church on Wednesday, September 13 at
10:30 AM. Friends and family may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104
Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on the evening of Tuesday, September 12 from 5:00-8:00 PM. The interment
will be held privately.
A special thank you to her “Angels” and caregivers, Monica Rosales and Monica Osei Addo, and to all
those who have cared for her over the years, including the caregivers from VITAS Hospice and Jewish
Family Services of Fairfield County.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Vites to the Boys and Girls
Club of Stamford at www.bgcastamford.org/donate or Person to Person at www.p2phelps.org.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
Patricia Santorella
Patricia Ann Santorella (Cantella), a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and dear friend to many, peacefully passed away at her home on the evening of Sunday, September 3, 2023, with her husband at her side. A lifelong resident of Stamford, Patti was born on November 28, 1950, to the late Patrick and Katherine (Colline) Cantella. Patti was 72 years old at the time of her passing.
Patti was the ultimate host. Whether it was Christmas dinner, or her weekly Sunday meals with her family, there was always plenty of food on the table. Her warm personality and infectious laugh, constantly welcomed friends and family into her life. She loved to go out as much as she enjoyed a night on the couch catching up on a favorite show. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.
Patti is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Frank; her beloved sons, Frank and John and wife Anya; her grandchildren who she adored, James, Madilyn, Emily, Sofia and Patrick; brother, Dan Williams and his wife Arline; and a large extended family and circle of close friends.
In addition to her parents Patti is predeceased by her siblings Dorothy Palumbo and William Cantella.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT, on Monday, September 11, 2023, from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday, September 12th at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Rd., Stamford, CT 06902.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor and acknowledge Patti’s love of dogs, memorial donations are encouraged and may be made to the ASPCA by visiting https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial or to any local dog rescue organization.
To leave messages of condolence online, please visit the family guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.
Brian Pavlowski
Brian S. Pavlowski, a native of Stamford and resident of Bridgeport, CT, passed away peacefully at CT Hospice in Branford on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 29th with his loving family at his side. He was born in Stamford on November 12, 1977 to the late Frank and Judith Hoyt Pavlowski. Brian was only 45 years old at the time of his passing.
Brian is survived by his son, Jonathan Pavlowski; his beloved longtime partner, Katherine Fahey; sister, Cindy Shouse and husband Joel; brothers, Steven Pavlowski and his wife Marla and Michael Pavlowski; nieces, Kelly and Kaitlyn; nephew, Joshua; all of his co-workers, friends and extended family. Brian will be sorely missed and never forgotten by those who knew and loved him.
A graveside committal service and inurnment will take place on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM at St. John R.C. Cemetery, 25 Camp Avenue, Darien, CT 06820.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian’s memory to Constellation Health Services, Connecticut Hospice in Branford CT and Hartford Healthcare ( St.Vincent’s Medical Center).
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
Dante Pomponi
Dante Pomponi, 51, of Norwalk, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2023 after a short but hard fought battle with cancer. He was born in Stamford on February 8, 1972 to the late Roman Pomponi and Cynthia DiStefano. He was also predeceased by his stepmother Eileen Pomponi.
Dante will be remembered for his exuberant laughter, generous heart and his love of dogs.
Dante is survived by his loving wife, best friend and partner of 29 years, Rachel Pagliarulo, his siblings, Scott Kowaleski and Danielle Pomponi and his faithful dog Rocket.
He will be missed dearly by his stepfather Bob Kowaleski, his aunts and uncles Tammy and Paul Montanaro, Robin and John Russo, and all their children and families, his cousins John and Maria Liberatore , their children and Anthony and Christianne Liberatore, as well as many other extended family members and close friends.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 3:00-7:00 PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dante’s memory to Danbury Animal Welfare Society. www.daws.org
Rachel would like to thank Dr. Christopher Del Prete and the amazing staff at Stamford Hospital for the care and compassion they showed to her and Dante.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
Armando Cid
Armando Cid, 92, of Stamford, CT, passed away peacefully at home on August 21st surrounded by loving family. He was born on June 24, 1931, in Houston, TX to the late William and Otila Quinones Cid.
As a teenager, Armando moved with family to Southern California. After high school and community college in Compton, CA, he attended USC where he earned both a BS and MS in Civil Engineering.
A Korean War veteran, he served in the Air National Guard anti-aircraft gun battalion, and as a 2nd Lt. in the US Air Force where he earned the Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and U.N. Service Medal.
He began his 36-year career with the County of Los Angeles’ Public Works Division, working in positions ranging from Engineer to Assistant Director. He retired in 1989 after 3 years as Division Head of the Survey Division.
He was an active member, officer, friend and district leader of the Torrance, CA, Elks Lodge for many decades, as well as associate member of lodges in Oceanside, CA, Ventura, CA, and Stamford, CT.
Armando always had a smile for everyone, and enjoyed walking the family dogs, Yellow Lab Lucy and Golden Retriever Allie, for many years before heading out for happy hour at Margaritavilla at the Ventura Harbor or Amore in Stamford. He was much loved by everyone he met in his daily life and on the many cruises he enjoyed with family and friends to Europe, Asia, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Bermuda. In fact, his last wish to go on a Cruise was fulfilled shortly before his passing. He has been loved by many and will be missed by all.
Armando is survived by his wife, Louise Werner of Stamford, his children, Taffle Meyer of Carson, CA; Pam Gorman of Oxnard, CA; Melissa Post of Olivenhain, CA, and Tracy Enters of Darien, CT, as well as 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his two wives, Jean Meyer in 1975 and Bernice Miller in 2002.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT on Sunday, August 27, 2023, from 1PM to 3PM, with a brief service beginning at 3PM. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Armando’s memory to the Amanda Post Foundation which was established in 2010 in honor of his granddaughter, a track star who was killed in a tragic auto accident just prior to matriculating at Cal Poly on an athletic scholarship. Donations may be sent to 829 Woodside Lane, Olivenhain, CA 92024-1936
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
Ajay Sharma
Ajay Sharma, loving husband, father, and true friend to so many, passed away on Saturday, August 19th in Stamford. He was surrounded with his wife, Lois, and daughters, Nicole and Emma.
Ajay was born in New Delhi, India and was the son of the late Savitri (Renu) Sharma and Brahma Sharma. He was also predeceased by his brother Rakesh Sharma.
Ajay was raised in India and Afghanistan before moving to the U.S., the first in his family to do so. Ajay had dreams of building a better life here, and transformed that dream into a reality through perseverance, hard work, and determination.
Ajay met Lois in NYC in 1986 and they were married in 1991. They moved to Stamford in 1991 where they raised their daughters and forged a good life; making so many wonderful, lifelong friends along the way.
Ajay worked as a Regulatory Accountant for many years throughout the Tri-State Area, although his true passion was working as a tax accountant. His clients were devoted because he was a talented accountant that also willingly and freely gave them advice in so many other ways. We nicknamed him the “unofficial mayor of Stamford” as he would run into clients every time he left the house.
Ajay was very devoted to his family and friends. Ajay’s parents moved into the family home in 1995 to help raise Nicole and Emma. Ajay commuted long hours for most of his career, but always made time to be with Lois, attend Nicole’s ballet shows, and Emma’s ice skating and theater performances.
Over the last two years, Ajay fought a long and valiant battle with leukemia and his family is eternally grateful to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Bennett Cancer Center, and Stamford Hospital for their compassionate care.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT. The service will also be streamed for friends and family who are unable to attend in person. Please visit Cognetta.com to share an online condolence. To attend the funeral service via Zoom, please use: us02web.zoom.us/j/81865147853
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations in Ajay Sharma’s memory:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – msk.convio.net
LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) – givenow.lls.org
Be The Match – bethematchfoundation.org
Stamford Hospital – support.stamfordhospitalfoundation.org
Carlo Cavaliere
Carlo D. Cavaliere, 92, a lifelong resident of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, August 21, 2023, at The Villa of Stamford. Carlo fought to the very end. He was born in Stamford on June 3, 1931, to the late Frank and Filomena Pigro Cavaliere.
A graduate of Stamford High Class of 49. He attended Bridgeport Engineering Institute. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, stationed at Ft. Belvoir, VA, and the 6th Army Headquarters at the Presidio of San Francisco. Long time employee of Dorr Oliver and also worked as an estimator in the structural steel industry.
A pillar of the family, he strongly valued his friends and family. Was not only a gentleman but, a gentle man, loved by many; liked and respected by all! Carlo cherished his weekly Sunday phone calls with family and friends. Always willing to lend a helping hand. Enjoyed his frequent trips to Vermont, Tennessee, and Florida. The highlights of his European trips were meeting and visiting his Italian relatives.
Was an active member of the Italian Center Men’s Club. Enjoyed exercising daily, including swimming, one mile every other day. Bowling, bocce, and gardening were also favorite activities.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Barbara Mangano Cavaliere, his loving children, Vincent (Julie), Leslie, Carl, and Christopher (Katarzyna (Kasia)). Also surviving are his siblings, Theresa Savitz (Donald), Beatrice Cooke, and Dominick Cavaliere (Lois), as well as many nieces, nephews, great and grand nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Carlo was also predeceased by his siblings, Frank Cavaliere and wife Carmella, Carmela Portanova and husband Anthony, brother-in-law George Cooke, his niece and God daughter Terri Lynne Savitz, as well as in-laws, Anthony and Margaret Mangano.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff of The Villa of Stamford for the exceptional care, not only provided to Carlo, but the support they provided to our family.
Prior to the funeral mass, the family will receive relatives and friends at the Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Entombment with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph’s Mausoleum at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Greenwich.
The funeral mass will be live streamed at: us02web.zoom.us/j/82733482352?pwd=TTdqd0FUM0RXT1dNbmZYTWNoQWtHdz09
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carlo’s memory to VA Medical Center, 950 Campbell Avenue, West Haven, CT 06516, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 or St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory are in charge of the arrangements.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.