Anita Louise Airone

March 10, 1948 – February 9, 2022

On February 9, 2022, Anita Airone passed peacefully into the arms of the saints she revered throughout her life. She was a gentle and loving soul who gave whatever she could to help those in need. Anita grew up in North Branford and lived there for most of her life; for the last 15 years or so, she lived in BellaVista Apartments in New Haven. Anita was well known to the BellaVista community for the sandwiches she made for the office and maintenance staff, and for the homemade treats she always shared with her neighbors.

Anita graduated from St. Mary’s High School in New Haven in 1966. During her working years she was employed by the Yale University Alumni Fund and the Knights of Columbus.  She was a devoted communicant at St. Augustine Church (now part of St. Ambrose) in North Branford, and was equally devoted to The Eternal Word Network (EWTN) on television.

Most who knew Anita remarked on her faith, her gentleness, and on the struggles she endured in her too-short life. Through all of those struggles, she did her absolute best to stay strong and whole through her faith and by giving to others.  

Her cousin Lorraine DeRosa Maru of Florida remembers her this way: “Anita wasn’t only my cousin, she was my friend for 73 years.  We grew up together, played together, and slept at each other’s houses as children. She was in my wedding party, and we even worked side-by-side at the Yale Alumni Fund offices. She was a sweet, humble, caring person who put her God before anything else. Our families enjoyed so many laughs together – I will remember them always. I now pray for the repose of the soul of Anita Louise Airone, may she now be resting in God’s heavenly peace.  I will miss you always, Nita. Love you, cousin Lor.”

At the end of her life, Anita was cared for by her cousins Maryann Amore and Lois Kinney, both of Branford.  She depended on them for many things, and they were always there for her.  Anita will be met in heaven by her parents John Airone and Louise DeRosa Airone, as well as scores of aunts, uncles and cousins who are already there to greet her in joy.  And, she leaves behind aunts and cousins on both sides of her family, who now send her on her journey with their love and hopes for a next life lived in peace. Special thanks also to the very caring staff on 10 North at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport. Cards of condolence can be sent to the attention of Maryann Amore in care of Maresca and Sons Funeral Home, 592 Chapel St. New Haven, CT 06511.

There will be a ceremony to pray for and remember Anita at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven on Friday, February 11, 2022.  Those who wish to attend should assemble in the Main Building area at All Saints at 12:45pm.

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