Sara T. DeFilippis

Sara T. DeFilippis, of Stamford, affectionately known as Sandie, passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, October 26, 2025. She was born on July 16th, 1936, to the late Anthony Tornatore and Mary Rizzi.

Sandie was quite the social butterfly. She loved to travel the world with her husband Ernie and her many, many friends. She cherished her friendships as well as her time with her family. She never missed a birthday, sports game, recital, or graduation. She was the biggest cheerleader for everyone around her. She loved playing Mahjong and hosting a good party.

Sandie was also a fiery spirit who proudly worked until she was 87 years old. Spending her career in companies such as American Cyanamid, Georgia Pacific, St. Maurice Church, St. John’s Episcopal, and Waterstone. She was truly a force to be reckoned with and took every day on with grace. She knew how to enjoy the finer things in life, from her jewelry to her perfectly made Bombay Saphire martinis - extra dry with a twist. What she cherished most though was spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Sandie was a devout Catholic with strong faith and a generous heart. She frequently volunteered her time to her church and community. In 2023, she was honored with the St. Augustine Medal of Service in recognition of her dedication and service.

Sandie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Ernie, in January of 2020, two brothers Carmen Tornatore and Gene Tornatore and is survived by her loving children, Kimberlee Fahey and her husband James of New Canaan; Lauren Yantorno and her husband Al of Stamford and Matthew DeFilippis and his wife Sandra of Trumbull, as well as her adoring grandchildren, Rebecca, Jimmy, Anthony, Kara, Alexa, Jack and Matthew. Along with two sisters, Diane Parker and Lynda Kilgore and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A funeral procession will be leaving the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford at 9:30 AM on Friday, October 31, 2025 for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maurice RC Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, October 30, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandie's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300. Jacksonville, FL 32256.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com