Dorothy Ann Pisacane of Fairfield passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2023, as she was getting ready for a typical day. Called Dottie or Dot by family and friends, her typical day was being a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all who knew her. A "Dottie day" was checking in to see how everyone was doing, lending an ear to anyone who needed it, offering a helping hand and sharing her caring. Dottie was simply someone people enjoyed being around – and she enjoyed being around people.

Dottie was born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on August 14, 1936, to the late Frank and Geneverfa (Renzulli) Garofalo. She grew up in a tight-knit loving Italian family on a road where every house was owned by one of her mother's 17 siblings or their offspring. The traditions and love learned there stayed with her throughout her life. As one of the last of her generation, she was a bright light for those who came after her.

Dottie was deeply in love with Al, her husband she enjoyed 56 years with before his death. They shared a loving journey that began with a blind date that neither wanted to attend – and by the end of the evening, they both knew they had met their partner for life. They were blessed with two children Cheryl (Rossi) and Alan. Dottie was proud of them both and considered each of them a blessing. Alan was a great help to his mom throughout her later years.

After graduating from Norwalk High School, Dottie attended hairdressing school. She worked at numerous salons throughout the years. Dottie continued working part time until she was in her 70s – not for the money, but for the interactions with customers and co-workers. She loved getting out in the world and never became an "old lady" in any way.

Dottie lost her beloved daughter Cheryl to cancer 23 years ago, but was strengthened by the never-ending love and support of her son-in-law Rick Rossi and her cherished grandchildren Kristen (Kasparian) and Steven Rossi. She took pride in her grandchildren's accomplishments and was thankful that her son-in-law worked hard to ensure Dot was included in all their pursuits.

In addition to her son Alan and grandchildren Kristen Kasparian and her husband Jeff and Steven Rossi and his wife Jennifer, Dottie is survived by great grandchildren Brody, Jackson and Cameron, and several cousins who see her more as a beloved mother figure than a cousin. She was predeceased by her daughter Cheryl, brother Frank Garofolo, Jr, son-in-law Rick Rossi and her parents.

Friends may call at Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull on Friday, October 6 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at Our Lady of Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield at 10:30 am. The family asks mourners to go directly to the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital (stjude.org), Dottie and Al's favorite charity. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: https://www.stjude.org/donate/