Catena Bemonte
Catena “Tena” Bemonte, 67, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at Stamford Hospital. She was born in Dasa Calabria, Italy to the late Francesco and Maria Vivona Scaturchio.
Tena was best known for her love of life, warm heart and giving nature. She was a true legend in living life to its fullest. Her contagious smile brought love, joy, and laughter to those who surrounded her. Tena’s unconditional love for her children and grandchildren was evident in all she did. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Tena is survived by her loving children, Alec Bemonte and his daughter, Isabella, Jen Hilderbrand and her husband, Stephen and their children, Olivia and Stephen II, and Christa Bemonte and her children, Nevaeh, Josephina and Jezzel. Also surviving are her siblings, Agata Sette-Gentile and her husband Frank, Anthony F. Scaturchio and his wife Teresa, Joseph Scaturchio and his wife Lucy, as well as 14 nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s RC Church, 566 Elm Street, Stamford. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Stamford. There will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Catena’s memory to Breast Cancer Research Foundation/BCRF, 28 West 44th Street, Suite 609, New York, NY 10036
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
Antonio Catino
Antonio Catino, 77, of Stamford passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at Stamford Hospital. He was born in San Mango Sul Calore, Italy to the late Teodoro and Giuseppa Prizio Catino.
Antonio was a man of humble beginnings. Like so many from San Mango sul Calore, he had a dream. Not to be famous or to be a politician, but for a better life. With that dream and little else, he immigrated with his family to America with the intention of doing a little better than his parents. A loyal union man to the end with the Bricklayer’s Union, he worked harder than anyone we know and he did what he set out to do – he made a comfortable life for his family and prepared his family for the future.
He was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life: spending Sunday morning at the the San Manghese club, a nice bowl of pasta with a homemade glass of wine, and a nice game of briscola. He found peace in his love for his vegetable garden, which even to the end was bountiful.
Antonio gave it his all and never quit. He was a great Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Friend, Paisano, Teacher, Provider, Inventor and one of the most talented Stone Masons in Fairfield County.
Antonio is survived by his devoted wife, Angiolina Loisi Catino of Stamford, his loving sons, Teodoro “Ted” Catino and his wife Elena of Wilton, Joseph “Joey” Catino and his wife, Joann of Norwalk, five grandchildren, Lauren, Gabriela, Brianna, Anthony and Nicholas Catino, as well as his siblings, Vincenzo Catino of Stamford, Michele Catino of Italy and Carmella Catino of FL.
Besides his parents, Antonio was predeceased by his sister, Assunta LaRocca.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Entombment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in the Catino family private Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Antonio’s name to the American Cancer Society, CT Chapter, P.O Box 280285, East Hartford, CT 06128
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
Edward Mailhot
Edward J. Mailhot, 92, a lifelong resident of Stamford, passed away peacefully in Stamford CT on September 1, 2021. He was born on October 16, 1928, he was the son of the late Erkel and Helen Smith Mailhot.
He married the love of his life, Shirley Henrietta Morris in 1955 and celebrated 63 years of love and marriage before Shirley’s passing in 2019. He was an avid duck pin and 10 pin bowler, as well as a golfer. He was a member of the Glenbrook Athletic Club and worked at the Wee Burn Country Club and enjoyed the game of golf and watching sports.
Ed worked for the US Postal Service for many years as a mail carrier retiring in 1989.
He is survived by daughters Cathleen Mailhot, Susan Tyler and son-in-law, Jay Tyler of Bolivia, NC; sons Edward E. Mailhot and daughter-in-law Andreina Lombardo Mailhot; Michael Mailhot and daughter-in-law Jill Pellini Mailhot and James (Jamie) Mailhot, all of Stamford. In addition, he is survived by his grandchildren, Lauren and Bruce Moore (great-grandchildren Giavanna, William and Joseph), Eddie Mailhot, Jr. and fiancé Jennifer Manto, Dana and Katie Tyler, Cassie, Sean, Matt and JJ Mailhot, his brother in law James Morris of Stamford, a sister-in-law Marion Morris of Stamford and sister-in-law Eileen Mailhot of Napa, CA and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Ed was predeceased by his brothers Tommy Mailhot of California, Charlie Mailhot of Stamford and sisters, Virginia Morris of Darien, Helen Verderosa and Jackie Waterbury of Stamford.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford from 8:30 – 10:30 AM, on Saturday, September 11, 2021 with a service to follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien.
Special thanks to The Fairfield County House for all their care and loving support for Ed.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Fairfield County House, 1 Den Road, Stamford, CT 06902 www.fairfieldcountyhouse.org
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
Michael Picciallo
Michael Louis Picciallo, 96, a lifelong Stamford resident passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Stamford, on November 12, 1924, he was the son of the late Angelo and Josephine (Ottaviano) Picciallo.
Michael was a retired Purchasing Manager at F.A.G. Bearings where he worked his way through the ranks at the company for 44 years. He was a member of the Gravinese Mutual Aid Society where he served as Treasurer for many years, and proudly enjoyed his Italian heritage with his sons-in-law, family, and friends.
Michael served in the US Army 623rd Engineer Light Equipment Company as a Corporal during World War II in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe, where he received several medals of honor including the Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, WW II Victory Medal, and an Honorable Service Lapel Button WW II. He was a devoted Yankee fan and would often be seen sporting his Yankee hat. Watching them win would always bring a huge smile to his face.
Everyone who knew Michael, knows that family was his pride and joy. He loved his family more than anything and it meant everything to him. He was as genuine and honest a man you will ever find. His smile and laugh were contagious, and there was nothing he cherished more than the time he spent with his family – whether it was a Sunday or any other day of the week, or special days celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and the holidays. An amazingly proud husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, and uncle, he blessed us all with his wisdom, loyalty, longevity, and unconditional love. He gave us all a life full of beautiful memories and he will be missed terribly by many.
Michael is survived by his loving and caring wife of 60 years, Maria Picciallo, and his 3 daughters whom he treasured so much, Diana DiBartolomeo and her fiancé Paul Pieszak of Shelton, Barbara Labbadia and her husband Richard of Norwalk, Angela Sciarretta and her husband Steve of Stamford, 5 grandchildren, Melissa and her husband Eric, Louis and his fiancée Brittany, Jessica, Michael, and Ava and 2 great grandsons, Jett and Jag, and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Picciallo and Frank Picciallo, and his sister, Antonia Smeriglio.
A funeral procession will be leaving the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave Stamford on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 9:50 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 1200 Shippan Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace R.C. Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road Stamford. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, September 6, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
Joseph Rustici
Joseph Anthony Rustici, of New Milford, a former Stamford resident and a loving husband, father, brother and friend, passed away on August 31, 2021 at St. Vincent Medical Center with his family at his side. He was born on December 26, 1958 in Stamford, CT and was one of three children born to the late Achilles and Janet (Preli) Rustici.
Joseph worked as an operating engineer at M. Rondano Construction for 35 years and he loved his work. He was a hardworking man with a huge heart. He was caring, slow to anger and loved his family more than anything in his world.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Renee Rustici; his son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Stephanie Rustici; siblings, Diane Vitti and Peter Rustici and wife Kari; his granddaughter; Hailey Rustici; his niece; Kayla Rustici; nephews, Zachary Vitti and Luke Rustici; his close friend, Connio Carlucci; and his work family for 35 years who he loved so dearly, everyone at M. Rondano Construction. He is also survived by his Rottweiler puppies Sarah and Shaka whom he doted over and loved.
Joseph will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all those who knew and loved him.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Ave., Stamford, CT on Monday, September 6, 2021 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. The interment will be held privately.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.Cognetta.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NicholasFCognettaFuneralHomeCrematory.
Eileen Pomponi
Eileen B. Pomponi, 84, of Darien and formerly of Stamford, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at Atria of Darien. She was born in Stamford on June 9, 1937 to the late Gerald and Margaret Bonner Burke.
Eileen grew up on the eastside of Stamford and attended Stamford schools graduating from Stamford High School class of 1955. Eileen married Anthony (Tony) Pomponi in June of 1959 and enjoyed fifty seven loving years of marriage before Tony’s passing in 2016.
Eileen was an active member of the Saint Maurice’s women’s guild in the late sixties and throughout the 1970’s.
Eileen worked for many years for Orthopedic Associates in Stamford and then moving to Darien in the early eighties worked for Internal Medicine of Darien.
Eileen’s home was always open to her children’s many friends as well as her nieces and nephews with many fond memories of holiday parties and weekend celebrations.
Eileen is survived by her son, Stephen G. Pomponi and his wife Amy of Weston, and their children, Clair Clements, her husband Tom and her great grandson Leo, Grace and Claudia Pomponi, daughter, Susan Schwarz and her husband David of FL, and their children, Matthew and Caroline Schwarz, son, Jeffrey Pomponi and his wife Bonnie of Norwalk, and their sons, Max and Jake Pomponi and son, Christopher Pomponi of Darien. Also surviving is her sister, Marilyn Wajert and her husband Richard of Bethel, sister-in-law, Joan McGee of Rowayton, sister in law, Janet Burke of FL, sister in law, Alma Pomponi of Bedford, MA, and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 from 4:00-7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Thomas More RC Church, 374 Middlesex Road, Darien. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eileen’s memory to Bennett Cancer Center, 3 Hospital Plaza, Stamford, CT 06904
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
Mary Filardo
Mary C. Filardo passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida at the age of 99. She was born in Greenwich on March 10, 1922 to the late Joseph and Catherine Grabarz Calka. Besides her parents, Mary was also predeceased by her husband, John M. Filardo, and five brothers, John, Edward, Anthony, Bruno and Charles.
Mary was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She was a supervisor at Vectron Labs in Greenwich, where she made many life-long friends. She resided in Springdale for 64 years before moving to Florida in 2018.
Mary is survived by her loving son, John M. Filardo, Jr. and his wife Susan of Florida, a brother, Joseph Calka of Stamford and two grandsons, Michael Filardo and his wife Amy of Maryland and Peter Filardo and his wife Krissy of North Carolina. Also surviving are four great-grandsons and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 13, 2021 at 10:30 AM at the Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Mausoleum, North Street, Greenwich.
The Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral & Crematory is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mary’s memory to the Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06905.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com.
Harriet Abruscato
Harriet G. Abruscato, who lived a long and happy life of 97 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, September 4, 2021. She was born in Stamford on September 30, 1923 to the late Antonio and Speranza Russo Gervasio.
Harriet was a lifelong resident of Stamford where she grew up and raised her family on the east side and was an active member of St. Mary’s Church. She was a proud graduate of Stamford High School, where she formed lifelong friendships. The “Club Girls” continued meeting monthly for over 50 years, and shared annual picnics at Sherwood Island with their families. Harriet took great pleasure in working with the Cingari family at Grade A Market for many years. For the last 46 years Harriet was involved in various volunteer positions at St. Leo Parish in Stamford. Harriet’s greatest joys came in times spent with her family. Her presence will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Mary Ann “Scottie” Dombrowski, Charlene (Rick) Heffernan and Jeanne (Gordon) Knight all of Stamford. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, Rebecca (Dani Brown) and David Dombrowski, Christopher and Laura Heffernan, Kevin and Rachel Knight, and two great grandchildren, Adley and Camden Brown as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Harriet was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, S. Charles Abruscato, three sisters, Mary Attanasio, Jean Baldassare and Theresa Rotante, two brothers, Daniel and Ralph Gervasio and her son in law, Peter Dombrowski.
The family is very grateful for the loving care she received at home from her healthcare aides.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 AM. The funeral procession will be leaving at 10:30 AM for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Parish, 24 Roxbury Road, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Darien.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Harriet’s memory to Bennett Cancer Center/Can’t Beat Pete, 1351 Washington Blvd, Suite 202, Stamford, CT 06902 or to a charity of one’s choice.
For the safety of all those attending her funeral services, please wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com
Helen Fuda
Helen Theresa Fuda (Mancusi), age 86, passed away peacefully and comfortably Saturday, September 3, 2021.
She was born to the late Leonard and Sophie (Ginter) Mancusi in Stamford, CT on July 4, 1935. She graduated from Stamford High School and, soon thereafter, met her future husband, Joseph Fuda, also of Stamford. They where married for 50 years until Joe’s passing in 2008.
Helen and Joe lived in Stamford their entire lives, where they raised their two children, Michael and Maria (Mia) with consistency, comfort, and love. They co-owned the Central Deli in Darien, CT for many years. Helen then went on to become a teacher’s assistant for special needs children at Springdale Elementary school where she remained working until she retired in her late 70’s.
Helen’s loves were family, relatives, dear friends and her home which she lived in from 1962 till her passing. During retirement, she enjoyed cooking, gardening, and remained active with walks around her neighborhood with her beloved dog “Tucker”. During her last years, she was confined to home where she received excellent in-home care and compassion from her daughter, caretakers, Maka and Georgi, and watchful neighbors who ensured her comfort and safety till the very end.
In addition to her parents and husband, Helen is pre-deceased by her sister Angela Milton Catino ( Mancusi). She is survived by her children Maria (Mia) Fuda Chase, Michael Fuda and his wife Lori Abbott Fuda; beloved grandchildren Jaret Thomas Chase, Steven Lee Chase, Hunter Fuda, Laurel Fuda; brother Joseph (Joe) Mancusi and his wife Joan (Molinari); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 10:30 AM at St. Gabriel RC Church,914 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rock Rimmon Road, Stamford. There will be no calling hours.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com