Obituary: Marie Pastore Carrano, 80, of Branford

Information via W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Marie Pastore Carrano, beloved wife of Ralph Carrano of Branford and Venice, FL, passed away on Thursday September 22, 2016 at Connecticut Hospice, Branford. Marie was born in New Haven on August 14, 1936, daughter of the late Albert B. and Kathryn Fromhartz Pastore.

Marie led a life of caring and helping not only her family that she loved dearly, but also her extended family of many friends- both in Connecticut and Florida.

She was active with her West Haven High School, Class of 1954, playing golf in CT or Venice, taking in a few games of cards or just doing whatever she could to help others. She was employed by the West Haven Board of Education in the Business Department for many years. She earned the reputation of always helping new staff members with patience and advice. In her early adult life, Marie was very active with the West Haven Junior Women's Club, serving as president.

Marie loved her gardens in Branford and worked alongside her husband in producing beautiful beds of flowers, she will be missed by many for her kindness, her generosity, her love and delicious meals prepared for the special occasions. Her family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all the nurses and aides at the Smilow Cancer Center and Connecticut Hospice for their dedication and concern in the care of Marie.

Besides her husband, Marie is survived by her children, Steva Carafeno Pochesci (Robert) of Branford, Gina Carafeno of Branford, Dana Carafeno Mattson (Ronald) of North Branford, and John Carafeno of New York, NY; her step-children, Ralph and Mark Carrano both of West Haven; her cherished grandchildren, Jonathan Carafeno, Gina Marie Gentile (Christopher), Rachel Marie Kennedy, Anthony Pochesci, Kathryn Kennedy (Hans Esposito), Andie Lynn Kennedy, Shea Marie Kennedy, Jack Kennedy and Lydia Mattson. Marie also held a special place in her heart for her great-granddaughters Lola Gentile, Giada Esposito and Liza Gentile.She was predeceased by her sister Barbara Dadio.

Her funeral will leave the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main Street, Branford, Monday morning at 9:30 for a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary Church at 10:00. Friends may call Sunday from 3 – 7 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405.