Obituary of Yolanda M. Santilli

Yolanda Mary Benedetto Santilli, age 88, of Bridgeport, CT, died on Sunday, June 12, 2011 surrounded by her loving family at St. Vincents Medical Center. Born on February 19, 1923, in Bridgeport, CT, she was the daughter of the late Donato and Leonarda Benedetto. Yolanda is the widow of Edward Santilli.

She is survived by her children, Diane Santilli Coleman and her husband Thomas of West Haven, John Santilli and his wife, Mary, of Trumbull, Laura Santilli of Stamford, and Daniel Santilli and his wife, Margherita, of Trumbull, and two grandchildren, Peter John Santilli and Carla Santilli of Trumbull, who brought her great joy. She is also survived by her in-laws, Pam and Frank Cervero of Stratford, and Rose Santilli of Bridgeport, and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by a sister, Antoinette Benedetto.

Yolanda was a loving mother and derived great pleasure taking care of her family. Before her marriage, Yolanda worked as an executive secretary for Singer Sewing Machine Company. While raising her family, she worked for Nydens Department Store, for Attorney Aaron Ment, and for Charter Oak Title Company, the latter for 19 years. As a young woman, she was an active member of the Daughters of Mary at St. Raphael Church. She loved baking and ballroom dancing. Yolanda was a member of the Stratford Ballroom Club, the Sikorsky Garden Club and was active in the Knights of Columbus senior activities. 

Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Patrick Church, 851 North Ave., Bridgeport on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Nichols Village Cemetery, Trumbull. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. 

Those desiring may make memorial contributions to St. Patrick's Church, 170 Thompson Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604.