Obituary of Cathy Ann Esposito

Another star will shine brightly as Cathy Rick Esposito, 58, of Trumbull, beloved wife of Anthony (Tony) Esposito, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2017 at Bridgeport Hospital after an 11-year courageous battle with breast cancer. Born in Bridgeport on September 14, 1959, Cathy was the daughter of Mary Rick and the late Eugene Rick.

Cathy was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She touched and changed so many lives and lived to make everyone happy, as she always put others before herself. She was a great comfort to many of her "sisters" who were battling Stage IV breast cancer by making them smile with her great sense of humor and by always being positive. She never let the cancer define her. Her motto was "never give up hope for with hope we have everything."

Throughout her life Cathy focused on working with those less fortunate, both children and animals. She was involved in helping to place children into foster homes. She also took in animal rescues, including dogs, cats and her bunny, Coco. She volunteered many years for New Leash on Life, Inc. where she helped find homes for abandoned animals. Animals touched her heart and her soul and she would do whatever she could to help those in need.

Her family was everything to her and Cathy enjoyed time spent at many a family gathering. She loved Christmas and no matter how she may have been feeling she always made sure she had a little something for everyone. She cherished Tony, the love of her life, and looked forward to spending time together visiting Stonington, Kent Falls and Old Saybrook. She enjoyed the theater, especially performances at the Goodspeed Opera House. Her biggest thrill, though, was a trip to Florida where she swam with the dolphins. It was a dream come true.

In addition to her husband, Tony, survivors include her mother, Mary Rick, of Bridgeport, her sister, Debbie Rick Selski and husband Bill of Trumbull, her brother, Bill Rick and wife Marilyn of Milford, her brother, Ken Rick and wife Marlene of Trumbull, her mother-in-law, Elena Esposito of Trumbull, her brother-in-law, John Esposito and wife Rose of Huntington, her sister-in-law, Mary Riehl and husband Dave of Trumbull. She also leaves behind a cherished daughter, Gina Esposito and granddaughter, Mariyah and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her father-in-law Anthony Esposito, Sr.

The family would especially like to thank Dr. Neal Fischbach and his incredible team for their compassionate care throughout the years. Dr. Fischbach went above and beyond and Cathy held a special place in her heart for him. Also the 7th floor oncology team of Bridgeport Hospital where they always made Cathy feel so welcome and took such good care of her. In addition, Dr. Stephen Veach and Dr. Maura Dickler of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who were her second team of oncologists.

Friends are invited to meet directly in St. Margaret's Shrine, 2523 Park Ave., Bridgeport on Monday, November 20, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private. Family and friends may call on Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at The Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: SARAH RESCUE (handicapped rescue animal organization), P.O. Box 707, Stratford, CT 06615; METAvivor, Inc. at www.metavivor.org or mail to 1783 Forest Dr., #184, Annapolis, MD 21401 or St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound, 2800 Main St., Bridgeport, CT 06606.