Mary Cottiero, age 99, formerly of 224 Cosey Beach Ave and the Village at Mariner Point, East Haven passed away peacefully on August 2nd at CT Hospice Branford, CT. Mary was predeceased by her beloved husband George M. Cottiero & her loving companion of 30 years Ernest Kirchberg. Mother of George (Patti) Cottiero of Hamden and Leonard (Jackie) Cottiero. Loving grandmother of Dr. Richard (Dr. Patricia) Cottiero, LuAnn (Frank) Buono, George (Fran) Cottiero, Dawn (Thomas) Boulas and Michael Cottiero. Mary is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Devoted friends Betsy Kirchberg, Cheryl Morgan, Barbara(Charlie)Panico, Gladys Franzman and nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by brothers Thomas and Joseph Pagano, step siblings John Marzullo & Marion DeMayo. Mary was born in New Haven on October 29, 1912 to her parents Antonio and Celia Centone Pagano. Mary graduated from Commercial High School. She worked at Berger Bros. for many years until her retirement at 65. She became a well loved nanny/sitter for many children in the New Haven area who kept in touch with her through the years always honoring her for the wonderful care and love she provided them growing up. As the years passed, at 75, she retired from child care. Always with boundless energy and wanting to keep busy, she then worked for TJ Max in East Haven. She was employee of the month and enjoyed by all her fellow employees. At 85, Mary finally retired from work but kept busy entertaining and cooking for all her family and friends. She loved being in her little home by the water where the doors were always open for all to visit. The last three years Mary resided at the Village at Mariners Point. She was still full of energy exercising each morning and making new friends. She will remembered there for her insatiable desire to play pinochle and the constant prodding to get a game going. Pinochle was a big part of her life and all were taught to play as you married or were born into the family. She told us she wanted a great circle of players so she would always have a game everywhere she visited. We all obliged. Mary was a very giving person full of life and love. She will be sorely missed by all. We would like to thank the staff of the East Pavilion Floor 6 wing 7/8 Yale New Haven Hospital, staff of Whitney Manor and the staff of CT Hospice who all were so good to Mom in her final days. We are so appreciative of the wonderful care she received each step of the way over the last two weeks.
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Monday morning at 10:30. Family and friends may call at the funeral home from 8:30 to 10:30 am. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 11:00. Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405 or Fellowship Place, 441 Elm St, New Haven, CT 06511.
Sorry to read about Mary. She was a sweet woman and also my Dad’s first cousin. Hope all is well with the family.
Though we were not able to be physically present with you to celebrate Mary’s life you are all in our prayers. To Geroge, Patti, Lenny & Jackie, all of the grand and great grand children you have our sincerest condolences for your loss. She was not only a mother, grand mother, etc. to you but to all of us who were blessed to have been “adopted” by her. Her heart was as big as the ocean that she loved to watch and listen each day. She was devoted to her family and friends and had a wicked sense humor. I fondly recall so many great times at her house whether working or relaxing she always looked out for others. While her presence will be missed, the memories of her touching our lives will always warm our hearts.