Dolores (Cerqua) Fantarella obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Dolores (Cerqua) Fantarella, 96 of East Haven passed away peacefully at home on April 15, 2026 surrounded by her family. She was born December 18, 1929 in New Haven to Dominic and Maria Grace (DeAngelo) Cerqua. Dolores is survived by her three devoted daughters; Pam Fantarella of East Haven, Linda Fantarella-Dreher (Steve) of East Falmouth MA and Sheryl Streeto (Vinny) of East Haven, a sister, Virginia Turcio (Mario) of East Haven along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Anthony Fantarella (2001) and her siblings; Helen Pelliccia, Nancy Currano, Suzie Federico, Anna Goglia, Lucy Casbarro, Connie Ludoviconi and Theresa Gargano.

Dolores graduated from Hillhouse High school. She worked at Berger Brothers after high school and at the Southern New England Telephone Company following her marriage. She later worked for Macy’s department store from its opening until its closing. Beyond her professional achievements, Dolores was known for her exceptional baking skills. Every Christmas, for a week, she baked dozens of different cookies, and at Easter she baked pies sharing all with family and neighbors. Additionally, she enjoyed mowing her lawn and tending to her yard well into her 80’s.

Family and friends are invited to meet and attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday April 21, 2026 at 11 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, 80 Taylor Ave., East Haven (Please go directly to the church on Tuesday) with burial to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. All services are under the care of the Clancy Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven CT.

Dolores had great faith reading her prayer book and reciting the Rosary daily. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.