Obituary: Catherine Belli Tirpak, 98, of Waterbury

Catherine (Belli) Tirpak, 98, of 2221 East Main St., Waterbury, formerly of Gates Avenue, died on Friday, January 27, 2012 at Wolcott View Manor. She was the widow of Michael Tirpak.

Tirpak was born in Hartford on April 3, 1913, daughter of the late Giocondo and Josephine (Menagus) Belli.

She moved to Torrington as a child, settling in Waterbury in 1949. She worked as a sales clerk for the Rose Shop for many years, in the dietary department at St. Mary’s Hospital for 10 years, worked a short time at Mattatuck Manufacturing, as well as working for Tinker School as a kitchen aide. She was a communicant of SS. Peter and Paul Church.

Tirpak was an original member and longtime participant at the Mattatuck Senior Center, a member of SS. Peter and Paul Madonna Guild, and the AARP Chapter 1856, and volunteered for many years for the Red Cross and the American Cancer Society.

Tirpak is survived by a son, Richard Tirpak of Waterbury; a daughter, Barbara Fox, and her husband Peter of Middlebury, four grandchildren: Joan Tirpak, Deborah D’Amico, Christopher Fox, and Donna Sherwood; seven great grandchildren: Dayna D’Amico, Daniel "Dan" D’Amico, Morgen Sherwood, Roger Sherwood and Bernadette Sherwood, Rachel and Nicholas Fox. She was predeceased by three brothers and two sisters.

Calling Hours: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home.

Funeral: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, at Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home, to SS. Peter & Paul Church for a 10:30 a.m. mass.

Burial: Following at New St. Francis Cemetery, Torrington.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Wolcott View Manor for the care and compassion shown to Tirpak and her family during her stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Mattatuck Senior Center, 117 Southmayd Rd., Waterbury, CT 06705.