Catherine Pegnataro
Catherine “Honey” Pegnataro, 95, died peacefully at Connecticut Hospice on July 27. She was the beloved wife of 69 years to the late Anthony “Tony” Pegnataro Jr. Honey was born on Aug. 30, 1927, and raised in Guilford, daughter of the late Frank and Francesca (Arena) Cianciolo. She met the love of her life, Tony, after World War II, and together they raised four children in Orange.
Honey was sweet, kind, and considerate, a devoted mother and wife who loved gathering with family and friends. She was predeceased by her brother Frank P. Cianciolo, and her sisters: Mary A. Lazzari, Dorothy Cianciolo, Frances Cianciolo, Rose DeMaio, Pauline Daley, Anna Sullivan, Lucille Pegnataro, Victoria Cianciolo, Elna Cianciolo, and Joan Cianciolo. Honey also leaves a sister, Rita Buonocore, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. She is survived by her children: Marisa (Thomas) Melillo of Washington Depot, Richard (Linda) Pegnataro of Branford, Regina (Art) Satterthwaite of Branford, and Princilla Pegnataro of Branford, with whom Honey resided the past three years. She will be greatly missed by her six grandchildren: Thomas Jr. and Nicholas Melillo, Felicity (Chad) Zgradden, David (Rachel) Pegnataro, Cristina Pegnataro, and Julie (John) Olejarczyk. Honey was great-grandmother to Georgiana and Edward Pegnataro, Tanner Olejarczyk, and the late Xola Rose Melillo.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Honey’s caregivers while at home: Ann, Jean, and Geinally, and to the staff at St. Raphael’s Verdi 5West and SLA5, as well as to Connecticut Hospice for their gentle, compassionate care.
Friends and family were invited to call on Aug. 2 at Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church St., Guilford. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Aug. 2 at St. Mary’s Church, 731 Main Street, Branford. Burial followed in St. Lawrence Cemetery, 280 Derby Ave., West Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Honey’s memory to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.