One of the founding partners of Lindy Farms of Connecticut, Mary Ann Antonacci (DeRosa) of Somers, Ct., passed away peacefully on April 27, 2023 surrounded by her family at the age of 91.
Mary Ann was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 8, 1932, the oldest daughter of the late Gerardo and Agatina (Corso) DeRosa. Mary Ann graduated from New Utrecht High School in 1950 and worked as an executive secretary in Manhattan for several years. Mary Ann met the love of her life, Gaetano "Sonny" Antonacci at a mutual friend's wedding. They married on November 15, 1952 in Brooklyn. Mary Ann and Sonny started their family in Lindenhurst, Long Island where they resided for many years before moving their family to Somers, Ct. in 1974. Mary Ann was a founding partner of Somers Sanitation (USA Hauling & Recycling), Son Mar Haven, and Lindy Farms of Connecticut and was instrumental in all the day-to-day operations – working as secretary, accountant, and dispatcher, among many other titles. Mary Ann was a devout Catholic and an active member of All Saints Church in Somersville. For many years, she volunteered at Enfield Loaves and Fishes and Meals on Wheels.
Mary Ann was known for being compassionate and welcoming – both her heart and her table always had room for more. She opened her home to all and treated everyone like family; nothing made her happier than spending quality time with those she loved. Friends from far and wide called Mary Ann and Sonny's house "home" over the decades. She was selfless and truly lived for others. She lived her faith every day, always looking for ways to serve her family, community, and especially those in need. She was a strong matriarch to her family and she shared her wisdom through stories, wit and often the perfectly timed look. Her love, faith and history will be carried on through her family. She was, and is, an irreplaceable pillar in the foundation and growth of the family businesses. Mary Ann loved her German Shepherds, including her beloved Pearl. She also loved the farm and her horses, and was consistently a passionate fan and a keen critic of racing performances. She would never miss a race.
Mary Ann has joined her husband of 49 years, Sonny, in heaven. She is also reunited with other family members that predeceased her including: brothers and their spouses Salvatore "Sal" and Marianne DeRosa and Anthony "Tony" DeRosa, brother-in-law Benny Benfanti, sisters-in-law and their spouses Marie Guerrazzi and Frances and Joseph Troiano.
Mary Ann is survived by her sister Josephine Benfanti (DeRosa), her sister-in-law Nancy DeRosa, her cousin Carlo Lanzisera, and her several adored nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her two beloved sons and their spouses, Frank "the Elder" and Rebecca (Clark) Antonacci and Gerald "Jerry" and Frances "Franny" (Froment) Antonacci, and her six grandchildren and spouses that she adored, Frank Michael and Jessica (Salafia) Antonacci, Guy Gerald and Rachel (Lewis) Antonacci, Christopher Clark and Olivia (Clement) Antonacci, Sara Frances (Antonacci) Jez and Christopher Jez, Matthew Albert Antonacci, and Philip Andrew Antonacci and fiancé Ellie Trudeau. Mary Ann, known as "Mimi," will also be missed by her seven great grandchildren, Frank Joseph Antonacci, Sophia Mary Anne Jez, Luca Clark Antonacci, Gabriella Joyce Antonacci, Christopher John Jez, Gaetano Frank Antonacci, and Natalie Shea Antonacci.
The family would like to especially thank longtime caregivers and beloved friends Mary Jatta and Therese Jarju and their families, as well as close family friend Kevin Riley, and Dr. Sue Gates.
Calling hours for Mary Ann are on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday, April 30, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, Ct. 06082. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Church, 25 School Street, Somersville, Ct., 06072 (Please meet at the Church) followed by a procession to Somers Center Cemetery, 81 Battle Street, Somers, Ct., 06072.
Contributions can be made to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Old Iron Ore Rd., Bloomfield, Ct. 06002 and the Mary Ann Antonacci Scholarship at Wilbraham and Monson Academy, 423 Main St., Wilbraham, Ma. 01095.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Mary Ann Antonacci.