Theresa M. Napoletano

Theresa (Tess) Angelina Cavanna Napoletano, beloved wife of the late Rudy Napoletano, passed away on March 14, 2024. She was a Norwalk resident for 67 years. Born in Stamford on July 5, 1928, she was the daughter of the late John and Julia Raiteri Cavanna. She grew up in Stamford with her older brother Louis, living above their parents’ grocery store in Bull’s Head. After graduating from Stamford High School, she worked in the fashion industry in New York City until her marriage. She remained stylish throughout her life in her own understated way.

Tess’s warm and energetic personality filled her life and her home. Family meant everything to her. She adored her husband Rudy and cared for him devotedly through difficult years of illness prior to his passing in 2007. Tess was equally devoted to her three boys, Bob, Randy and Bill, and created a loving home for them. She was a wonderful cook and kept an immaculate house.

Tess and Rudy loved to entertain, and their welcoming home took in many friends, family and eventually grandchildren, for delicious meals, fun barbecues and special holiday dinners. They also enjoyed hosting family and friends at their home on Cape Cod.

Tess and Rudy were also longtime members of Shorehaven Golf Club. Once her boys were grown, Tess shared her considerable energies with many charitable endeavors including volunteering at the Norwalk Hospital gift shop weekly for over 25 years, the senior rideshare service F.I.S.H., and active involvement in her parish, Saint Thomas the Apostle Church.

She is survived by her loving sons, Robert Napoletano, MD and wife Laura, Randy Napoletano, and Bill Napoletano and wife Paula. Tess delighted and took great pride in her grandchildren, Julia (Mark), Kate (Harry) Tina (Zach), Liz (Brian), Megan, Bob Jr. (Stephanie), Michele (Craig), Caroline (Bobby), and great grandchildren Dominick, Aaron, Marley, Naomi, James, Paige, and Nora.  Tess is also survived by JoAnn and Tony DiPanni, Sylvia Napoletano and many nieces and nephews, with whom she shared loving relationships.

In addition to her parents and husband, Tess was predeceased by her brother Louis Cavanna and her sister-in-law Jane Cavanna, with whom she was extremely close.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 22, at 10:30 AM, at Saint Matthew Church, followed by interment at Saint John Cemetery, Norwalk. 

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to donate in Theresa Napoletano’s memory, we gratefully suggest CT Breast Health Initiative, CTBHI.org or the Alzheimer's Association, CT Chapter, 200 Executive Blvd. Suite 4B, Southington, CT 06489, alz.org/ct