Patricia A. Svelnys

Patricia A. Svelnys
Patricia (Cacciola) Svelnys, age 84, of Fairfield, the beloved wife of the late Algis Svelnys, passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in Bridgeport to the late Pancrazio and Genevieve Cacciola, she was a graduate of Butler Business School.
Known affectionately as Patty, Geega, Nanny, Mom, and "Tree" as her late husband lovingly called her, she was a gifted interior designer. She worked for many years alongside her brother at Ron Cacciola Interiors in Westport before joining her daughter at MD Design in Fairfield.
Patty had a deep love for her home, her family, and her garden-and she expressed that love most often through her cooking. On any given day, she could be found in the kitchen creating a three-course meal entirely from scratch. Her meticulous eye for detail reflected her lifelong appreciation for art, beauty, and craftsmanship. Patty admired intellect and celebrated the talents and uniqueness of others. When she found something she loved, she often convinced others to embrace it too-and she was always right.
A woman of faith and service, Patty volunteered at St. Pius X Church, where she proudly served as part of the original Kitchen Crew preparing monthly meals for Operation Hope. She also gave her time to Nourish Bridgeport's food pantry, where she offered not only meals but also special "treats" for children in need.
Patty's life was filled with energy, generosity, and devotion to her family. She never missed a holiday or celebration and was always at the heart of every gathering. She adored her grandchildren and supported them in every way-whether fishing with her grandson Mason, cheering at Jaylynn's dance recitals, watching The Bachelor with Abby and Grace, cooking with Ryan and Jack and their wives Nikki and Molly, visiting Molly and Will in Georgia, or traveling to watch Sam's crew regattas. She attended every event, ceremony, graduation, and milestone with pride, including most recently the weddings of two of her grandsons.
Her social life was equally full. Patty was a vibrant presence in her bowling league and at her weekly pinochle games. She loved playing cards with friends, hunting for bargains at tag sales, and traveling the world-always saying "yes" to adventure. She truly embraced life to the fullest.
Patty is survived by her three devoted daughters: Linda and her husband Douglas DeSilva of Fairfield; Jen Svelnys and her wife, Nicole Natale of Trumbull; and Nancy and her husband Paul Salamon of Georgia. She also leaves behind her cherished nine grandchildren and one great-grandson. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brother, Ronald Cacciola, and her sister, Laurie Zingo.
Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Pius X Church in Fairfield. Interment will follow in Lawncroft Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in her honor to Nourish Bridgeport, 2200 North Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 or nourishbpt.org. To send an online condolence, please visit www.shaughnesseybanks.com.