Patricia Anne Cordaro of Greenwich, Connecticut passed away peacefully on April 20, 2026, at the age of 47, after facing cancer with the same courage, grace, and radiant spirit that defined her life. In her final moments, Patty was held by her husband and parents, surrounded by the love she had so freely given throughout her life.
Born on January 7, 1979, in Smithtown, Long Island, Patty was the beloved daughter of Vince Cordaro and Rose Mary Cordaro, née McLoughlin. Patty graduated from St. John’s University in New York in 2001 with a degree in communications and advertising.
Starting her career in the fashion industry, she found her passion in the wine and spirits industry, writing a blueprint on how to thrive as a woman in a male-dominated industry.
In just under 25 years, she earned more than 20 awards, most recently being named Salesperson of the Year in both 2024 and 2025, confirming the reputation of excellence and professionalism she established throughout her career.
Patty made friends easily, loved deeply, and kept people close. Only a few can say they have lifelong friends who remained connected since daycare, a reflection of the loyalty and tenderness that defined her. She spent her early childhood in Whitestone, Queens, moving to Fairfield, Connecticut at the age of 14, leaving behind many friends she called family. Patty found a way to keep those cherished childhood bonds while opening her heart to new ones.
Patty was never one to boast. She was a magnetic leader, and her down-to-earth, compassionate demeanor shaped how she interacted with the world. She believed in people, often before they believed in themselves, and never wanted anyone to feel alone. She reached out, gave generously, offered comfort, and inspired many to follow their dreams and become their best selves.
Patty was an old soul grounded in traditional morals, values, integrity, and spirituality. She pursued wholesome energy, finding joy in nature, movement, and simple beauty through eating healthy, practicing Qigong, and gardening. She also had a profound love for animals, especially her beloved cats, Ren and Stimpy. Stimpy lived to be 21 years old, surely sustained by the extraordinary love and care Patty gave him. Cats seemed to find Patty wherever she went in the world, as if they could sense her gentle, pure, and giving spirit. At the same time, she was the life of the party and moved through life gracefully and elegantly, being authentically herself and never dimming her light. She
loved to travel and visited more than 40 countries, always seeking to learn, understand, and experience the cultures, people, local foods, and traditions of the world.
In 2019, Patty met the love of her life, Joseph Nemchek, and they were married on October 16, 2022. From then on, they were truly inseparable and built a life full of compassion, devotion, presence, and continuous adventures. Their memories are filled with long walks across Greenwich Point and endless trips around the world. Their shared love language of food and wine was shown in every intentionally crafted meal they shared. Every day was special, just because they were together. Patty brought every moment to the next level simply by being herself. She had a fire in her soul and a softness in her heart. She was stunning, not only in the way she looked or smiled, but in the way she loved.
Patty leaves behind her devoted husband, Joseph Nemchek; her cherished mother, Rose Mary Cordaro; her beloved father, Vince Cordaro; her stepchildren, Joseph William Nemchek and Madeline Grace Nemchek; and many dear friends whose lives were forever brightened by her presence.
In lieu of flowers, and to honor the causes closest to Patty’s heart, donations may be made to either or both of the following organizations:
North Shore Animal League America
In recognition of Patty’s lifelong love for animals, especially cats. Donate here.
The Endometriosis Foundation of America Supporting awareness, advocacy, education, and research for a disease that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is a leading cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility.
Donate here: https://give.endofound.org/give/448674/#!/donation/checkout
A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, April 30, at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich CT, from 4:00–8:00pm.
On Friday, May 1, a Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 178 Greenwich Avenue, at 10:00am, followed by an interment at St. Mary’s/Putnam Cemetery, 35 Parsonage Road, Greenwich CT.
A reception will follow at the Greenwich Boat and Yacht Club, 9 Grass Island Road, Greenwich, at approximately 12:00 – 3:00pm.
Patty’s light is rare and unforgettable. Her passion, vibrancy, sincerity, spirituality, and generous soul will continue to shine on all who knew her. Forever cherished, forever loved, forever missed.