Gelsomina Zarra, “Minnie” of Greenwich passed away on August 21, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was 90 years old. Born in Teora, Avellino, Italy on October 24, 1932 to her parents Gerardo and Angelina.
In 1955, she married the love of her life, Francesco, then emigrated to the United States with her husband and daughter in 1962. They settled in Greenwich, where she worked as a seamstress for a short time, and raised her three children. She loved to be surrounded by family and friends and made sure to keep them well-fed. Even into her eighties, the aroma of sauce and meatballs was a Sunday morning staple at her home. She loved tending to her vegetable and flower gardens and inspired her family to do the same. She will be dearly missed.
Minnie was predeceased by her loving husband, Frank in 2017. She is survived by her loving children, Angie Pietrafeso (Charles), Anna DiStefano (Michael), and Gary Zarra (Dena), cherished grandchildren, Joseph (Amber), Michael (Krista), Jessica (Dominic), Sammy (Maxx), Alex (Connor), Caitlyn, Nicholas and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Carmine and sister, Yolanda. She was predeceased by her brothers, Angelo, Peter and Nick.
To honor her life, family and friends will gather on Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home 134 Hamilton Ave. Greenwich, CT 06830.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00am Friday at St Roch’s Church, followed by entombment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org