Dolores Helen (Urso) Andrea passed away recently at Nathaniel Witherell in Greenwich after years of loving care by her daughter, Carla Andrea. She was 95 years old.
A 90-year resident of Cos Cob, Dolores was born to Leopold and Angelina (Sella) Urso on October 27, 1930. She and her husband, William L. Andrea, married on September 5, 1953 and were together for 53 years until his passing in October 2006. In addition to Carla, Dolores is also survived by three sons: Michael Andrea (wife Stacey), Thomas Andrea, and Robert Andrea (husband Brandon). Also, very lucky to call her Meema are her grandchildren Bryan Andrea, Lauren Andrea, Melanie Andrea, and Joshua Andrea, and greatgrandchildren Jordan Andrea, Margaret Andrea, and Lucas Serrano.
A lady of strength, character, and love, Dolores grew up happily on the banks of the Mianus River in Cos Cob with her brothers, sisters, and cousin, Olimpia Chiappetta. A 1949 graduate of Greenwich High School, she was known as an excellent dancer of ballet and tap. Mom began her career in retail until her children were born, then returned to the workforce as a bookkeeper in the 1970s. In addition to raising her children and holding down a full-time job, she created the most delicious meals for six or 26 in the smallest kitchen ever built in Cos Cob. She loved the sun, whether at Tod’s Point in Old Greenwich or on the beaches of Cape Cod. Mom stood proudly and calmly by her children during our trying times and celebrated our many more successes, usually by making wonderful meals, clapping along at guitar parties, or dancing the jitterbug as no one else could.
In addition to her parents and husband, Dolores was predeceased by her son William L. Andrea, Jr., as well as her brothers Pio Urso (and wife Michelina) and Leo Urso, and her sisters Rosary Skorvanek (and husband William) and Janet Ponger (and husband Charles). She is survived by her brother Joseph Urso (wife Mary, deceased) and sister-in-law Patricia Urso. She deeply loved her father- and mother-in-law, the late William and Carmela Andrea, and spent a great deal of time with her brothers- and sisters-in-laws Lawrence Andrea (wife Grace, deceased), Phyllis Mallozzi (husband Robert, deceased), and Anthony and Barbara Andrea. Dorry and her husband were also lifelong friends with the late Nicholas and Catherine LeRose and Jean Summa (husband Paul, deceased).
Our mom was healthy until many ailments befell her in her last years. May this one-of-a-kind woman now rest in peace. The family wishes to thank Dr. James Brunetti and Dr. Marcus Mayus for their years of thoughtful care, and the incomparable caregivers and staff at The Nathaniel Witherell, especially Amelita, Vernice, Margaret, and Justine.
In lieu of flowers and in recognition of our mother’s enjoyment of music and activities, memorial contributions in her name may be made to Friends of Nathaniel Witherell, and include on memo line Dolores Andrea – Recreation & Activities, and mail to Nathaniel Witherell, 70 Parsonage Road, Greenwich, CT, 06830.
Following the wishes of our mother, all services on her behalf are private.