Obituary: Dorothy Mae Gilbride Zampano (Porto Funeral Homes)

Dorothy Mae Gilbride Zampano, 98, of Branford passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026 at her home surrounded by the family she cherished above all else, just one week shy of her 99th birthday. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and unwavering devotion that will forever be an inspiration to her family.

Dorothy lived an extraordinary life defined by her deep love for her family, her entrepreneurial spirit, her undeniable sparkle and her remarkable ability to make everyone around her feel cared for. She was the beloved wife of the late Honorable Robert C. Zampano, United States District Judge, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership. Together, they were lifelong residents of Morgan Point in East Haven, Connecticut, where her family has fond memories. In her later years, Dorothy enjoyed living in Florida before returning to Connecticut to be closer to the family who meant everything to her.

A gifted and accomplished businesswoman, Dorothy was well ahead of her time. She successfully owned and operated several businesses and office buildings, including Choice Designs, Head to Toe Sports Shop, SVS Pro Shop, and she founded the SVS Sports Camps. Through hard work, determination, and vision, she built each while also raising a family, demonstrating that drive, perseverance, and a nurturing heart could go hand in hand.

While Dorothy’s professional accomplishments were significant, nothing compared to the joy she found in her family. She was a devoted mother, an extraordinary grandmother, and a treasured great-grandmother. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world. Her happiest moments were simply being surrounded by those she loved.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, the Honorable Robert C. Zampano, and her brothers, Frank and Robert Gilbride. Dorothy was born in New Haven on August 3, 1927 daughter of the late Frank and Meta Peshal Gilbride.

Dorothy is survived by her loving sister, Janice Sperandeo; her daughter, Debbie Zampano of Port Saint Lucie, Florida; her son, Robert A. Zampano and his wife, Maggie, of Branford; her cherished granddaughters, Michelle Benivegna and her husband, David, of East Haven, Molly Kuchta and her husband, Ian, of Rowayton, Rory Fertiguena and her husband, Peter, of Branford, and Hannah Zampano of Branford. She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren, Chase, Margot, August, and Robert, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.

To know Dorothy was to know unconditional love. Though words can never fully capture the impact she had on so many, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

All services are private and in care of the PORTO FUNERAL HOME, 234 Foxon Rd. (Rte. 80), East Haven. Sign Dorothy’s guestbook online at www.portofuneralhomes.net.