Ann M. (Cafasso) Pitney, 91, was called to eternal rest at the Mary Wade Home in New Haven with her loving family by her side on April 15, 2024. Ann was the loyal and faithful wife of the late Carmen T. Pitney Sr. for 62 years. Ann was born in Derby on September 15, 1932, daughter of the late Giorgio and Rosaria Salerno Cafasso.
Ann is survived by four children; Barbara Carlson (John), James, Carmen Jr. (Margaret), Paul (Wendie), ten grandchildren; Michael Carlson (Allie), Katie Horn (James), Thomas Pitney (Allie), Kristen LaRovera (Carl Jr.), Matthew and Lauren Pitney (Shannon), Joseph Pitney (Alexis), James Pitney (Christina), and Emily and Max Pitney. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren; Erin and Joseph Carlson, Jackson and Anthony LaRovera, Ben Pitney, Lorenzo and Liliana Pitney, and Logan, Blake and Charlotte Horn, and sisters in-law, Louise Pitney, Dorothy Tynan, and Susan Pitney.
She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Joseph and Carmen Sr., sisters, Theresa Panitz, Dora Maffeo, Rose Marie Cafasso, special sisters-in- law, Lucy Cafasso and Marion Cafasso, brothers in law, Edward Panitz and Louis Maffeo, special nephew Georgie Cafasso and niece Patricia Panitz. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews as well as grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
She graduated from Derby High School, Class of 1950, fourth in her class. She received the DAR award and was honored to be able to ring the Liberty Bell when it visited Derby High School. She graduated from the Hospital of St. Raphael School of Nursing with the Class of 1953. Ann received the award for Excellence in in Nursing and went on to work at St. Raphael’s operating room, then, when she started her family, worked for Dr. Dominic D’Ambruoso.
She worked at Griffin Hospital on the medical/surgical floors, and later transferred to the ICU. She trained and helped to set up the Coronary Care Unit which at that time was a small two bed unit attached to the ICU. When all her children were in school, Ann took a job at the Ansonia High School as school nurse. Ann taught the Nurse Aide program at the high school and was responsible for starting an evening Nurse Aide program for adults. She was also responsible for starting an afternoon program for young mothers.
While at the high school, she continued to take college courses and was awarded a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services from Charter Oak College. After 10 years of service at the high school, Ann accepted a position of Coordinator of Staff Development at Milford Hospital in Milford, CT and remained there until she retired in 1995.
Ann was the first female police commissioner in Ansonia. She served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the board. She was on the Elderly Commission and served as its chairman. She was very active at Holy Rosary Church. She was chairwoman of the Parish Nurse group, was a member of the Prayer Shawl group, and played on the Bocci team. She also volunteered for the church festival for many years. For several years Ann was a mentor at Mead School and the Middle School, and served on and chaired the Drop Out Drug Free Council for the school system. Ann was always available for anyone who needed help.
She was often called upon for medical advice. Ann was also a former member of the Ansonia Garden Club, serving as its secretary. She took great pride in her flower gardens. Ann loved to travel. She and Carmen traveled to Italy, California, Florida, Southern States, Cape Cod and New Hampshire. She loved the beach. She would spend countless hours sitting in the sun, reading, or playing with her children and later with her grandchildren.
Ann was an excellent cook and baker. Whenever she heard of a new restaurant or recipe, she was the first in line to try either. She enjoyed entertaining and at Christmas Eve, for many years, served a traditional Italian feast for all her family members. She will be missed on several levels, the most important being her ability to listen and to help others to see the brighter side of things.
Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family and pay their respects on Saturday April 20, 2024, from 8:30 – 10:00 am in the chapel of SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia. Her funeral will then proceed to Holy Rosary Church in Ansonia, for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am.
Burial will immediately follow in Mount Saint Peter Cemetery in Derby. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to a scholarship being created and awarded to a graduating student at Ansonia High School who will pursue a degree in nursing. Please make checks payable to Carmen Pitney. To sign Ann’s guestbook or share a memory please visit, www.spinelliricciutifh.com.
