Obituary of Ann Marie Mennillo Carrano

Ann Marie Mennillo Carrano, age 86, of Bridgeport went to her heavenly rest in paradise on Thursday, January 16, 2014 surrounded by family and friends at home. She was the beloved wife of 57 years to the late Francis L. Carrano Sr. of Bridgeport, and a doting and engaged mother to Joanne Marie Rodgerson of Easton and the late Francis L. Carrano Jr. of Trumbull. She was born in the North End of Bridgeport on October 12, 1927 to Angelo and Louise Mastroianni Mennillo. Ann was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of the Lake Forest Association, taking an active part in the community where her and her husband built a home for their new family some 60 years ago. Ann was truly loved by all who have been fortunate enough to have known her. She was a consummate cookie and pasta maker. She was our little dynamo, our Wonder Woman, our little Energizer Bunny who kept her family together with her Wednesday Roni nights. She taught us the importance of family- that was her legacy. She was known for her persistence especially in matters of the heart and stomach. Her home was always open. She loved to entertain, and even had decorations and animatronic singing props for every holiday up year round to prove it. She was an active and spirited soul and was an avid member of St. Andrews church where she always volunteered her time. She thoroughly enjoyed getting pampered, she loved to get her "indestructible" hair done every Friday (just don't touch it!) and kept her nails perfectly manicured at all times. Ann was the root to her family. She was an amazing, valiant and courageous lifelong redhead who never once showed an ounce of weakness or defeat. She was a true hero to her family who will forever miss her and carry on her legacy. She is survived and sadly missed by a daughter, Joanne Marie Rodgerson and her husband Donald of Easton, daughter-in-law, Lisa Carrano, a sister, Angelina Zelle of Seymour, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dominick and Jennie Papa, grandchildren, Keith Rodgerson and his wife Maryli, Kerry Rodgerson and his wife Kelly, Kris Rodgerson, Jason Rodgerson and his wife Tina, Ashley Carrano, Brett Carrano, Elizabeth Cataldo and Alexandra Carrano, three great grandchildren, Jesse Edward Rodgerson, Gia Josephine Carrano and Jasper Gilbert Rodgerson, loyal and loving friend, Rita Rowe as well as multitude of nieces and nephews to whom, for many, she had become a surrogate Mom when their own had passed. In addition to her husband, she is pre-deceased by a son, Frank L. Carrano Jr., brothers, John, Dominic, Michael, Steven and Louis Mennillo and sisters, Phyllis Card, Mary Marella and Margaret Sullivano. Funeral Information Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in St. Andrews Church, 395 Anton Street, Bridgeport, for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Monday from 4-8 p.m. Donations Information Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Swim Across the Sound, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606 (www.give.stvincents.org.)