Fiore, Maria
Maria Fiore of Hamden and formerly of New Haven, passed away on April 20, 2020 at Saint Mary's hospital in Waterbury. Maria was born on August 3, 1959 in New Haven, CT to the late Angelo Alessandro Fiore and Delia Zarra Fiore. A retired school teacher and language tutor, Maria leaves behind a brother Rocco Fiore and sister-in-law, Heather Fiore who became such a wonderful friend and companion to Maria. She is also survived by a very loving and supportive extended family of dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins both in the United States and Italy. Maria spoke 6 languages fluently and this talent was put to good use in both of her careers. Maria spent the first part of her work life at Masten Wright International in North Haven, and the latter half as a language teacher at Sacred Heart Academy and Wilbur Cross. Maria was a fearless student advocate particularly for the ostracized and underserved. Always doing for others before helping herself, Maria's mission was to create circumstances that allowed " underdogs" to succeed. Maria did her undergraduate work at Providence College where she spent junior year abroad in Fribourg Switzerland. She received her Master's and 6th year degree at SCSU. Since childhood languages were her passion. She dove deeply into her craft earning the highest praise from native speakers of Italian, Spanish, French or German who were convinced that either of these were Maria's first language. Leafing through old post cards from Maria we see pictures of the Eiffel Tower at sunset, French Farmer's Markets, Lake Como in Lombardy, an English Rugby match, and stacks and stacks of others. These pictures were from the nearly 100 long distance trips Maria enjoyed before she became ill. Always on the move she would sometimes surprise us with a phone call from thousands of miles away. Some outstanding last minute deal had come up that she couldn't pass up. Whether it be for vacationing or True Travel, Maria could offer many valuable insights to those curious about her adventures. Maria knew details of cities and towns across the globe ordinarily reserved for the inner circle of those locales. This made her a sought after advisor whenever someone who knew her was planning a trip Anyone who had the honor to be a proxy for Maria would know that one of her final wishes would be for us to express this: The Fiore's and Zarra's collectively condemn those who have made or failed to make any decisions which led to Covid 19 being so widespread.
Private services and burial were held in St. Bridget's Cemetery in Cheshire. A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to United Way of Greater New Haven, 370 James Street #403 New Haven, CT 06513.(uwgnh.org). MARESCA & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Chapel St. is in charge of arrangements. Offer condolences at marescafuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The New Haven Register on Apr. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Maria Fiore

Sponsored by NHRegister.com.

19 Entries

Angelina

June 10, 2020

To Ms Fiores loving family,
Your loved one was my daughters French teacher at Sacred Heart. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms Fiore. Her passion for embracing a foreign language was evident. It reminds me that we dont know what we will be called to do in this life nor do we choose the gifts we are given. We are asked to our best with what we have. I choose to be inspired by Ms Fiore and continue my lifetime pursuit of learning the Italian Language of my ancestors. May Ms Fiores passion live on.
In sympathy,
Angelina Gargiulo Genovese

Liz Pisarczyk

April 26, 2020

I am deeply saddened to hear about the news of Mrs. Firore's passing and send my sincere condolences to her family. I was in Mrs. Fiore's French class at Sacred Heart Academy from 1994-1997. She had the most wonderful way of engaging us in learning and speaking in French. I remember a lot of stories and laughter. She had us work on a project where we had to choose a French-speaking country and plan a trip as if we would go there this summer. She had us plan every piece from the itinerary to what we planned to eat. Having read the story about her in the New Haven Independent makes me realize why all these details about travel were so important. I wish that I could have heard more stories about her travel! I hope that these memories will allow her spirit to live on within our hearts.

Liz Pisarczyk

April 26, 2020

I am so sad to hear of the loss of Ms. Fiore and send my sincere condolences to her family. Ms. Fiore was my French teacher at Sacred Heart Academy from 1994 to 1997. She had the most amazing way of encouraging all of us to learn and speak French in the classroom. Her love for travel came through her stories - I remember laughing a lot and dreaming of travel. We had a project where we had to pick a French-speaking country and plan a trip there. She had us imagine everything from planning our itinerary to what we would eat. Having read more about her life in the New Haven Independent makes me understand why all this detail was so important. I wish that I had asked her more questions and could have stayed in touch all these years. May the memories keep her spirit alive in our hearts.

Peter Lyden

Planted Trees

Fred Stoehr

April 25, 2020

To my friend Rocco. I never knew your sister, but knowing you was Special. I am so sorry for you, and Heather.

Judy Falaro

April 25, 2020

I remember that beautiful smile from working together at Wilbur Cross HS. Maria's enthusiasm for her students and her desire to share her gift for other languages and cultures made her a wonderful addition to our diverse school. I'm sorry for your loss and hope your memories of her help you through this difficult time.

Thomas Melillo

April 24, 2020

Marisa and I send our sincere sympathy to the Fiore family.
Maria was dynamic,brilliant,
loving person. Always a warm smile on her face that was so welcoming.
She had a wonderful way with words.
One night at dinner she stated we were going to have a taste explosion, and that we did. I have never forgotten that.
Maria I wish you peace and may you have a taste explosion for all eternity.
Marisa and Tom Melillo

Karen Tammaro

April 22, 2020

We send our deepest condolences to Maria's family. My husband worked with Maria in the City of New Haven, and laughingly recalled what a stickler to detail she was and how she wouldn't end a job until every "t" was crossed and every "i" dotted. I worked with her at Masten-Wright and remember how smart she was and how she took all her international customers under her wing. I especially loved listening to her speak in her many languages - it was amazing how she could switch from one to the other so quickly! We still have the children's book with a sweet note inside, which she gave to our daughter when she was born 32 years ago. She was smart, kind, and had a heart of gold. We're so sorry that her life had to end too soon. We'll always remember her.
Kind regards, Karen and Dan Tammaro

Mechelle Stewart

April 22, 2020

I will cherish the wonderful memories that I have. The world lost an amazing woman, who not only brought love into everyones life she became a part of, but laughter too! My heart breaks for such a loss and my love and prayers go out to Fiore and Zarra family.

Tricia Vitelli Harkins

April 22, 2020

Maria was the best teacher I have ever had. She was kind, sincere, compassionate and loving. She treated her SHA students as young woman, not just as students. She is primarily the reason I became a teacher. May she Rest In Peace.

Michael Torre

April 22, 2020

My prayers to Maria's family. I true lady with wisdom. RIP Maria.

Jay and JoAnn Giri

April 22, 2020

Deeply saddened to hear of Maria's passing. Our condolences to the Fiore and Zarra families.

April 22, 2020

Rocco & Family, my sincere condolences on the loss of Maria. May she rest in peace.
I was honored to assist her these last few years.
Much love to all of you
Drea Marino

Sr. Doretta D'Albero

April 21, 2020

Maria was a warm, compassionate and joy-filled person. She had a way of making people feel special by the love she showed them. What a loss for everyone who knew her. I have great memories of her from Sacred Heart Academy, Class of 1977, and the years afterwards when we stayed in touch. "Well done, good and faithful one, receive the reward prepared for you from all eternity...."

April 21, 2020

I have known Maria as a neighbor and friend since we were children. Maria was a sweet, beautiful young girl and woman, and beyond smart!!! Thank you for such a beautiful memorial, it seems like we are in Worthington Hooker only yesterday. May you soar in Heaven, until we meet again, Love Anne Marseille

Anne Marseiolle

April 21, 2020

Michele Sherban

April 21, 2020

My deepest sympathy. I remember Maria fondly from working with her at Wilbur Cross.

Marilyn Squeglia

April 21, 2020

Rocco and Heather-
. We would have never met otherwise, had it not been for my mom and Maria at Meadow Mills. I have such pleasant memories of all of us sitting in the dining area. Heather, it seemed to me that you were more of a sister than a sister in law to Maria. We always met at meadow mills,and you were always up for some fun. I remember the dancing, potato chips, your delicious baking, the music, the Christmas party, and just sitting around when all the other residents came by and wanted to be included in whatever we were doing.Maria was very fortunate to have you and Rocco as her immediate family. You Both provided excellent care for her -checked on her all the time, and I believe that she knew that because her expressions always changed when either of you were around. Find comfort in that fact and
Keep those memories alive.
Marilyn

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