Angela M. D'Elia

Angela M. D’Elia, 87, of Stamford, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, at Stamford Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 20, 1938, in San Mango Sul Calore, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Luigi and Filomena Ottaviano.

Angela immigrated to the United States in 1962 while expecting her first child, settling in Stamford, where she and her husband, Rosario, built a beautiful life and raised their family. She was cherished by all who knew her for her generous heart, her honesty, and her unmistakable “mama bear” spirit. Her love for her family was fierce, unwavering, and always at the center of everything she did.

A gifted gardener, cook, and baker, Angela, poured love into every meal she prepared. She cooked entirely from scratch, using fresh ingredients grown in her own garden. She was well known for her cookies, made for every celebration and gathering, but her culinary talents extended far beyond that. Her homemade bread, pizza, pasta, zucchini flowers, pickled eggplant, and countless other specialties were legendary among family and friends.

Angela worked for many years in several Stamford Public School cafeterias, where she delighted students with her delicious meals. In the early 1980s, she proudly owned and operated D’Elia’s Deli in Stamford, a place remembered fondly by many.

Angela is survived by her loving and devoted children: Joseph (Anne Marie) D’Elia Jenny D’Elia Rivera, Filomena (Shiva) Lamichhane, and Lia (Steve) Checca. She leaves behind her adoring grandchildren, Anthony, Frank, Michael, and Nicholas Rivera; Amanda Penebre; and Liv D’Elia,as well as her beautiful great‑grandchildren: James, Leland, Kayden, Skylar, and Killian Rivera. She is also survived by her brother, Pasquale Ottaviano (Gaetana); her sisters, Leondina Uva (Vittorio) and Marisa Docimo (Salvatore); and many nieces, nephews, great‑nieces, and great‑nephews.

In addition to her parents, Angela was predeceased by her loving husband Rosario, two brothers, both named Alfonso Ottaviano and a sister, Antonietta Ottaviano.

A devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church since her arrival in 1962, Angela lived her faith deeply. She was an active member of the San Manghese Women’s Auxiliary, always volunteering her time, especially to make the beloved pizza fritta for the Club’s annual feast. Her devotion to San Theodore, the patron saint of San Mango, remained strong throughout her life.

Angela’s legacy is one of love, strength, tradition, and family. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched.

Family and friends may pay their respects at Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, on Thursday, June 25th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 26th, 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford. Interment will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, 25 Camp Avenue, Darien.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dementia Society of America in Angela’s memory at Dementia Society of America/donate.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit the obituary hosted on www.cognetta.com.