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Sara DeFilippis Obituary
Sara T. DeFilippis, of Stamford, affectionately known as Sandie, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. She was born on July 16th, 1936, to the late Anthony Tornatore and Mary Rizzi.
Sandie was quite the social butterfly. She loved to travel the world with her husband, Ernie, and her many, many friends. She cherished her friendships as well as her time with her family. She never missed a birthday, sports game, recital, or graduation. She was the biggest cheerleader for everyone around her. She loved playing Mahjong and hosting a good party.
Sandie was also a fiery spirit, who proudly worked until she was 87 years old; spending her career in companies such as American Cyanamid, Georgia Pacific, St. Maurice Church, St. John's Episcopal, and Waterstone. She was truly a force to be reckoned with and took every day on with grace. She knew how to enjoy the finer things in life, from her jewelry to her perfectly made Bombay Sapphire martinis - extra dry with a twist. What she cherished most though was spending time with her kids and grandkids.
Sandie was a devout Catholic with strong faith and a generous heart. She frequently volunteered her time to her church and community. In 2023, she was honored with the St. Augustine Medal of Service in recognition of her dedication and service.
Sandie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Ernie, in January of 2020; and two brothers, Carmen Tornatore and Gene Tornatore. She is survived by her loving children, Kimberlee Fahey and her husband, James, of New Canaan, Lauren Yantorno and her husband, Al, of Stamford, and Matthew DeFilippis and his wife, Sandra, of Trumbull; as well as her adoring grandchildren, Rebecca, Jimmy, Anthony, Kara, Alexa, Jack and Matthew. Along with two sisters, Diane Parker and Lynda Kilgore; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A funeral procession will be leaving the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Myrtle Avenue, Stamford, at 9:30 AM on Friday, October 31, 2025, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Maurice R.C. Church, 358 Glenbrook Road, Stamford. Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Rockrimmon Road, Stamford. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandie's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300. Jacksonville, FL 32256.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.cognetta.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sara DeFilippis
Sponsored by Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory.
Nancy Rondano
November 7, 2025
Dear Kim, James and the DeFilippis family,
I am so very sorry to read about your mom´s passing.
I have wonderful fun memories of mom and your family from way back at Gene´s on Bartina Lane....(I was sad to learn that Gene passed away also) Your mom ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HER FACE !
She was a beautiful soul who will be dearly missed. Please accept my deepest sympathy at this very difficult time.
My love to all,
Nancy Jamroga Rondano xox
(Ron too)
Williamlibrandi
November 4, 2025
My Deepest Sympathy of Sara. Our prayers are with you of Sara family. Bill and I worked with Sara at the Dolan School in Stamford. She was so
sweet.
Bill and Donna Librandi
Phyllis Wilson
November 1, 2025
My heart is heavy over the passing of an amazing family friend of almost 50 years. I am truly honored to have known you Sandie. You were 1 in a zillion. My deepest condolences to Kim, Lauren, Matthew, theirs and your family members and friends and all who were blessed to know you for even a minute. Glad you are with your beloved Ernie in Heaven. You will be missed but never forgotten. Love, Phyllis Wilson and family
Diane Parker
November 1, 2025
Sorella Prima
My sister, my friend.
Sorella Segunda
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Leo Donovan
October 31, 2025
Kimberlee, Lauren and Matthew: May God bless you and your loved ones in this time of sorrow. Your mother was a fantastic person - engaging, loving, caring and giving. A true gem of a person was she!!! May your loving thoughts of her help comfort you during this time of loss. Your mother and you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Leo Donovan
Paul Interlandi
October 30, 2025
I am very sorry to hear of Sandies passing. She was a kind and gracious woman, and I´ll always remember her warmth and the way she made everyone feel welcome. Please accept my deepest condolences - my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Rosemarie Blosio
October 30, 2025
Family of Sandi DeFilippis
I am truly sorry to hear of Mom's passing .She was a lovely person and a good friend to all..
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely, Rosemarie Marrucco Blosio
Janis Pataky
October 30, 2025
I will miss my dear friend. Our martinis and dinners at Ninos after Church. Our many belly laughs together. Our working together. We shared together the good, the great, and the bad. Sandie had a joy for life that was unparalleled. Her name is in
the dictionary as true friend. Rest in peace, Sandie, in the loving arms of your God. I will miss you.
Neal and Bonnie Leary
October 29, 2025
To Matt and the DeFilippis family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Let the wonderful memories you have carry you through this difficult time.
Emilio Migliorelli
October 29, 2025
Sandy was one of THE MOST elegant and true definition of the word "classy" that I have ever met, I called her "Hedy" because she reminded me of the classic beauty Hedy Lamar.
If you were at Sandy and Ernie's for a dinner party , whether it was just 4 or often more you'd be in for an evening event that was just perfect from the first chilled martini with the mixed table of hot & mixed nibbles in the front room to the dessert and coffee with chocolate selection at the finish . Rest in peace dear Sandy with your beloved Ernie and THANKS to the moon and back for all those wonderful memories of dinner evenings in those yesteryears , they will will live with me till we meet again !
Gene cleri
October 29, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Darlene & Charles Massari Treadway
October 28, 2025
Matt & Sandra, Our Deepest condolences to you both and your family. May she Rest in Peace with the Angels.
Betty Ge,ter
October 28, 2025
I cannot believe that
I cannot believe that Sandie is no longer a part of my life. I met her in 1972 and our paths have crossed mny tis es in the ensuing tyearsime.
Janice Liptak
October 28, 2025
Dear Family,
"knew Sandie for So Many yrs"!-She was living on Hope St for yrs, than she , & Ernie bought the house next to my parents On Glen ave.-"SHe Was"AMAZING"!-"Condolences to All".-R.I.P. Sandie.-I' m in N.C. So I'm sorry i can't be there in person.
Anna Marie & Jimmy Lorenti
October 28, 2025
So sorry to hear of cousin Sandy, she was a bubbly happy go lucky person as I remember, living in Jupiter Fl for 31 years, haven't had much family time but memories never fade from your heart, A great celebration of Life for Ernie and family, Anna Marie Rizzi (Lorenti)
Alan Hagander
October 28, 2025
Matt, God bless you and your family. Condolences from the Hagander´s
Lisa DeLeo
October 28, 2025
Heaven has gained another amazing angel... And the Earth has lost a beautiful soul.
Condolences from the Carlucci and DeLeo families
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