Obituaries & Tributes

Frank D. Lovello, 92, a native of Stamford, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, and loyal friend to many. Born Francesco Donato on April 15, 1932 to Peter Paul Lovello and Mary Pauline Martinelli, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on December 3, 2024. “Skip”, “Skippy”, “Skipper” graduated from Stamford High School in 1949 and joined the US Marines and served under the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in 1952. He met his wife on a blind date and married her in 1958. He worked as an Ironworker out of Union Local 424 until he retired in 1987. He participated in Toys for Tots in Stamford for the last 60 years. He was a member of the Holy Name Society of Sacred Heart Church. He is survived by his wife, Viola, his five children and their spouses, Paula and Joseph Lepanto, Russ Bogue and Peter Lovello, Patti and Christopher O’Neill, Frank and Maria Lovello and Leslie Palmer and Viola Lovello, as well as five grandsons, Nicholas Lepanto, Matthew and Collin O’Neill and Jason and Justin Palmer and one great-granddaughter, Payton Rose O’Neill. Also surviving is his sister,Mary Rose Lovello, sister in law Catherine Lovello and his cousin Richard Lovello. Besides his parents, Frank was also predeceased by his brother, Leonard and sister, Laura Lovello. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Queen of Peace Cemtery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Frank’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association . To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Christina (“Tina”) Malloy, a native of Stamford, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, with family at her bedside. Tina was born in Stamford, CT, on September 17, 1946, and was one of three children born to the late Christo and Mary (Kouloganes) Maintanis. Tina was 78 years old at the time of her passing. Tina graduated from Stamford High School in 1964. She attended Becker College in Worcester, MA, before graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. After college, Tina returned to Stamford as a business teacher at Westhill High School. Following the birth of her children, she worked at Olin Corporation for several years until going back to her true passion, teaching. Tina received her master’s and 6th year degrees in education from Bridgeport University and continued to teach at Westhill High School until her retirement. Although known to be a disciplinarian at times, she was most passionate about her students’ learning and well-being. Having lived in Stamford all her life, Tina loved her city. When not at school she was often seen around town shopping at her favorite stores, having dinner at her favorite restaurants, or, in the summer, working on her tan at Cummings and West Beach. She was known for her sense of humor and the ability to have fun, but more important to Tina than anything was the fierce love she had for her family. Tina was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and beloved husband of 53 years, Brien Malloy, as well as her parents, brother, George Maintanis, and sister, Joan Philippopoulos. She is survived by their children Kelly Malloy of Stamford, CT, Brien Malloy (Christine) of North Bellmore, NY, and Steven Malloy (Amanda) of Scottsdale, AZ, and grandchildren Steven, Neala, Brien, Clare, Madeline and Egan. Family will receive relatives and friends at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home at 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Thursday, December 5th, from 4-8 p.m. A Trisagion Service will be held at 7 p.m. during the visitation. Funeral services will be celebrated on Friday, December 6th, at noon at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1230 Newfield Avenue, Stamford. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Tina’s memory to The Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). To leave an online condolence message for the family please visit the obituary posted on www.cognetta.com.

Janet M. Lazzaro, 84, of Darien, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2024. Janet was born in Stamford, CT to the late Nunzio and Mary Sgritta Losito. She spent much of her childhood in Stamford but also lived in South China, Maine, for eight years before settling in Darien in 1958. She then moved to Norwalk in 2003 moving back to Darien in 2017 where she resided for the rest of her life. Janet grew up surrounded by a large, loving extended family and remained close with her many aunts, uncles, and cousins throughout her life. She graduated from Erskine Academy in 1957 and Merrill Business School in 1958. Baptized on May 10, 1940, Janet lived her faith daily and shared it with others. Janet had a long and varied career. Earlier in her career she worked at Machlett Laboratories and the Sorensen Unit of Raytheon Co. and later worked at Courtland Gardens, and Curtis Brinkerhoff & Barrett, where she was employed as a legal secretary for 26 years. She also worked for St. John’s Church in Darien, where she made a lasting impact as a Religious Education Teacher for 43 years. Her dedication to St. John’s Church extended beyond teaching. Janet served as a choir member, a Special Minister, and a Special Program Administrator for 17 years, strengthening and expanding the Religious Education Program while setting a lasting example for those who followed in her footsteps. Her unwavering faith and commitment inspired students, colleagues, and parishioners alike. Janet loved baking, especially Christmas cookies, and enjoyed hobbies such as arts and crafts, crochet, and needlepoint. She was also an excellent cook and had a passion for shopping. Janet had a profound love of animals and generously donated to causes supporting abused children and animal shelters. Most of all, she cherished spending time with her grandchildren, Patrick, Danielle, Ava, and Ryan, creating lasting memories by baking, cooking, shopping, and playing games with them. Janet is survived by her husband of 59 years, Joseph Lazzaro, her son David Lazzaro, and her daughter Maria Colletti and her husband Robert. A funeral procession will leave the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, CT, on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 12:00 PM and proceed to St. John RC Church of Darien, 1986 Post Road, Darien, CT, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery, Darien. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Monday, December 2, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janet’s memory to Childhelp at www.childhelp.org/childhelp-donation or to PAWS CT at www.pawsct.org/donate. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Vito Joseph (Joe) Mallardi, Jr., 62 a longtime resident of Stamford passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Joe was born on October 10, 1962, son of Vito and Mary Ellen (Garbarino) Mallardi. Joe was a master carpenter until he sustained a severe injury. He loved listening to Bruce Springsteen, having popsicles with his grand daughter, and spending time wife and children. Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years Kim (Novak) Mallardi, his daughter Krysten and her husband Alex Renner, his son Matthew Mallardi, all of Stamford, a sister Theresa Dutertre of Shelton, his mother Mary Ellen Mallardi and sister-in-law Mary Ann Novak both of Stamford, and a cherished granddaughter Evangeline Mallardi Renner, along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father. There will be no calling hours.

John B. Sabia entered into eternity on November 23, 2024, after a prolonged battle with leukemia. A longtime resident of Stamford, he was born on September 5, 1935, and was the son of Angelo “Charlie” Sabia and Mary Cicatelli. John was a Navy veteran, having served in the military during the Cold War era. He was also a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic War Veterans, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. John’s entire professional career was spent in law enforcement. He served as a proud member of the Stamford Police Department for 43 years and retired from the force wearing Badge #1. He also served as a traffic agent for the Town of Darien for 17 years. John is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years – Beatrice (Princess) Rinaldi-Sabia of Stamford and his sister-in-law, Mary Lou Rinaldi, also of Stamford. He is also survived by his four children: John (California), Susan (Alabama), Edward and Peggy (Idaho), his twin brother, Peter, as well as several grandchildren. John is predeceased by his parents as well as a daughter, MarieAnn and a son, Michael. Family and friends are invited to greet the family at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford on Wednesday, December 4th from 8:30 am to 10:15 am, prior to the services. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at the Church of the Holy Spirit, 403 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford, CT 06903 at 11 am. Entombment will immediately follow at St. John’s Mausoleum, Hoyt Street, Darien, CT. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts, c/o Our Lady of Grace Convent, 635 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT 06906-1409 or The Sisters of Life – Villa Maria Guadalupe Retreat House, 159 Sky Meadow Drive, Stamford, CT 06903 To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com

Daniel N. Santagata, a Stamford resident, and beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend to many, passed away at Yale New Haven Hospital on Thursday, November 7, 2024, with his wife and family at his side. Danny was born on April 17, 1953, to Dominick Santagata and the late Helen Moker Santagata. He was 71 years old at the time of his passing. Danny was retired from Metro North Railroad where he had worked for many years as a Buildings and Bridges Foreman.  He was also an extremely talented and well-known mechanic for both automobiles and motorcycles. At 17, Danny was the First Place Winner of the 1973 International Motorcycle Show in New York.  His full restoration and paint work for his 1955 Chevy Nomad was featured in the Chevy Nomad Association Magazine and won him a First Place and a People’s Choice award. However, it was his artistic genius that he was most known for. In Stamford it is considered an honor to have one of Danny’s signature paint jobs on your bike. Danny is survived by his wife Kim, of 12 years, and his five daughters Christina Mastropietro, and Danielle, Lauren, Renee and Samantha Santagata. He is also survived by his 3 grandchildren; his sister JoAnne Schwartzenberg, and her children, Jason and Bonnie. Since retiring, Danny and Kim loved to travel in their RV, and never left home without their two wheels where they were at their happiest! To leave online condolences please visit the guestbook hosted on www.cognetta.com.

Mario Ottaviano, 91, passed away peacefully with his loving family around him on October 27, 2024. Mario was born on June 5, 1933, in Stamford, Connecticut. He grew up on Wright Street and lived in Stamford for fifty-seven years. His parents, Giovanni Ottaviano and Elena Boccuzzi, emigrated from San Mango sul Calore, Italy before he was born. Mario’s father died when he was seventeen leaving him to provide for his mother and sister. After graduating from both JM Wright Technical School and Stamford High School, Mario attended and graduated top of his class from the RCA Institute. A wizard with electronics, he started his own business and for twenty-seven years, owned and operated Economy TV, a television and audio sales and service company. He received a BS in Business from the University of Connecticut and later acquired a Connecticut real estate broker’s license as well as a graduate certificate from the University of Georgia’s Real Estate Management program, and an ICSC Shopping Center Manager CSM degree. A natural entrepreneur, Mario founded and operated the commercial real estate firm Ottaviano Associates that owned properties around Stamford. He also partnered with Michael Tehrani to form Ottaviano and Tehrani Real Estate Development & Management where they owned and maintained properties in Stamford and in Bristol, CT. Mario’s business acumen and astute knowledge of engineering, architecture, and electronics as well as his creativity with design, made him a visionary developer and builder. He could also fix anything. With his keen eye for craftmanship, he oversaw the restoration of two historic family homes. An avid boater, Mario and his beloved wife Marilyn enjoyed living by the water in Westport for thirty years where they hosted countless family events including many July 4th parties that featured Mario’s famous custom fireworks. A life enthusiast with many interests including squash, handball, skiing, square-dancing, and attending theater performances, Mario loved to bike with his children and grandchildren. Neighbors could spot him on his motorized trike with its license plate: The Road King. A lifelong Beatles and Willie Nelson fan, he was an excellent musician and played both the guitar and ukulele. He also had a green thumb in the garden and loved canning and labeling his roasted garlic and peppers “Mario’s Own.” One of his favorite things to do was take photos and videos of his family and friends and turn them into movies for all to enjoy. His technical prowess editing in Windows Movie Maker was second to none, and he loved dabbling in graphic design. A modern-day Renaissance Man, Mario was also a ringleader in planning vacations, and loved ones fondly remember the ski trips to Vermont and summers spent on Fire Island. For the last eighteen years, Mario was a dynamic member of the Westport Y’s Men’s Club and established an extensive circle of friends. There, he spearheaded the Cooking Club and was a member of the Hiker’s Club, and the Classical Music Society, among others. Mario was a man of great integrity, compassion, and kindness, an outstanding father, and a father-figure to many. Family and friends frequently sought his wisdom and advice on all subjects including health and medicine. He touched the lives of virtually everyone who knew him and he was widely loved in return. His family meant everything to him and came above all else. He is pre-deceased by his sister Angelina Concetta Lionetti and is survived by his wife of 66 years Marilyn Lovallo Ottaviano and their four devoted children: Susan Ottaviano of New York City, John Ottaviano (Cindy Swisher Ottaviano) of Stamford, CT, Christy Ottaviano (Kevin Ohe) of Fairfield, CT, and David Ottaviano (Jessica Bruck) of Albuquerque, NM, and seven grandchildren: Casey Ottaviano, Francis Ohe, Vincent Ohe, Henry Boone, Craig Ottaviano, Elena Ohe, and Antonia Ottaviano. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place on November 30th, 10:30am at Harbor Lights restaurant, 82 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk, CT. All family and friends are welcome. Remembrances can be shared in the memory book on the Cognetta Funeral Home website at www.cognetta.com. The interment will be handled privately.