Shirley A. Clarke Petrino, age 79 of Fairfield, beloved wife of James D. Petrino, Sr., passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, in Danbury Hospital. Shirley was born in Bridgeport, one of ten children to the late Thomas Clarke, Sr. and Mary Clarke, and was a lifelong area resident. Shirley was a big supporter of the Assumption School Parish and its many student programs. Serving as the Pizza, Hot Dog Lunch, and Ice Cream Lady, Shirley was a real fan of the students, often paying for the forgetful ones.  Later on serving as a Eucharistic Minister and permittee for the church extravaganza running the beer tent. She was a very popular lady for many reasons at Our Lady of the Assumption. Shirley was also a skilled seamstress and an expert quilter.  She offered to hand make the bibs used and keepsaked for the Baptism. For over 20+ years, her selfless virtues included volunteering for Project from the Heart, a non-profit fund raising program that raised money to deliver care packages to our troops stationed abroad. Shirley was widely renowned as an amazing cook and baker. Shirley's cupcakes were always the first to go.  Her sandwich making skills were unprecedented, with many craving her summer tomato sandwich. Her love of music and her love of Elvis was well known, but her real passion was singing along to her Husband Jim's Doo-Wop group - Yesteryear.  Shirley was always a supportive presence singing along in the front row to all his shows for Connecticut's favorite group. Generously, she tailored the entire group costumes for performances. Summer was her favorite time of year.  She loved basking in the sun at Lake Mohegan while the kids splashed away. The community and our family lost a loving, supportive, selfless angel.  Shirley Petrino will be greatly missed. Survivors in addition to her husband include her devoted children James D. Petrino, Jr, of Palm City, Florida and Dianna L. Petrino McHugh and husband Kevin of Westport, two loving grandsons Shane and Grady McHugh. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:00a.m., meeting directly in Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield, with a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to Project from the Heart, checks made out to Holy Family & St. Emery Parish, memo PFTH and mail to Project from the Heart, c/o Shirley Sambrook, 314 Shoreham Village Drive, Fairfield, CT 06825.

Project from the Heart, checks made out to Holy Family & St. Emery Parish, memo PFTH and mail to
c/o Shirley Sambrook, 314 Shoreham Village Drive, Fairfield CT 06825