Celeste Totaro Buccino

Celeste Totaro Buccino, age 85, died June 5, 2011, peacefully at her home in New Canaan. A lifelong New Canaan resident, Celeste was born on Raymond St., March 3, 1926 and was the only daughter of the late Pasquale and Josephine D'Arinzo Totaro.

Many of her childhood days were spent at “Totaro's Market”, her parents store on Elm Street, where she later worked. Her father opened the store in 1922 and it became a local landmark, selling fine foods, meats, vegetables, Josephine's homemade mayonnaise, exotic fruits, and imported delicacies from all over the world. For 57 years, many New Canaanites stopped into the market for a lunch sandwich and enjoyed eating in “the back”. Celeste also worked in her brother Mark's liquor store, “Totaro's Liquor”, the first liquor store in New Canaan, also located on Elm Street, where many locals would gather for conversation and laughs. There are “old timers and some not so old, who still reminisce about the good food, good conversation, good people and fond memories of both stores.

Celeste was always on the go, dressed in bright colors from head to foot, with bright lipstick and big bold earrings perfectly matched her outfit and never a hair out of place. Always very active in the community, she was a member of the Sons of Italy and spent many Tuesday nights volunteering at Bingo. She was also on the board of directors of the Senior Center of New Canaan, where she had served as a long-time volunteer and had many fans there.

Those who knew Celeste, recall her vibrant personality, sense of humor and unmistakable voice. No one was ever quite sure what she would say next. She enjoyed shopping at Shop Rite and would “hold court” so to speak as she went down the aisles and spent time talking with many friends she made there. On Sunday mornings, she would be at The Food Emporium, shopping and chatting with friends she encountered. Warm and outgoing, Celeste still kept in touch with friends from her childhood in New Canaan. Those of us who were closest to her share great memories of big holiday dinners with the family all together, the house fragrant with the aromas of a great home-cooked meal, and the table laden with beautifully decorated cakes and delicious pies she made. Celeste as a great mom and gave her family a great life.

Celeste was the wife of the late Frank Buccino, a well known building contractor, of Carlo Buccino and Sons, who built St. Aloysius and the Mormon Church in New Canaan, along with the family home in New Canaan. She is survived by her two daughters, Celeste A. Buccino of New Canaan and Marguerite Tamez Buccino of Dallas, TX, Marguerite's husband, Alfredo Tamez and their children, Bianca and Paolo Tamez-Buccino, a brother, Patsy Totaro, Jr. and wife Carmela Totaro of New Canaan, a sister-in law, Anna Totaro, of New Canaan and many nieces and nephews. Her brother Mark Totaro predeceased her.

Services and interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the New Canaan EMS or Fire Department, 60 Main St., New Canaan, CT 06840

Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main St., New Canaan is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, www.hoytfuneralhome.com