Obituary of Marie Sodaro

Marie Calise Sodaro, of Fairfield, age 93; wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of February 11 th.

She was pre-deceased by her parents Michael and Cathrine Calise, husband Henry J. Sodaro, both brothers, Frank and Dominic Calise, and four sisters Rita Luciano, Lucy Calise, Susi Mashia, and Gloria Franco. She is survived by her three sons, Ronald J. Sodaro of South Carolina, Robert J. Sodaro of Norwalk, Russell J. Sodaro of Fairfield, and her daughter Lisa Marie Sodaro of Seymore, as well as her nine grandchildren; Salvator and Antonio Sodaro, Dylan and Kayla Sodaro, Joshua, Zachary, Daniel, Angel, and Jacob Bleggi, and her two great grandchildren Zaine Roller-Sodaro, and Mia Weiser, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and close cousins.

Born in Norwalk and raised in Westport, she attended Staples High School and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where she graduated with an associate degree in fashion design. At Pratt she met and fell in love with her husband, whom she married in 1952, subsequently moving to Fairfield in 1962, where they raised their four children.

Throughout the course of her life Marie worked at a number of jobs, including for her family (starting at age 5 when her father ran the concession stand at Compo Beach in Westport). Later on in life she worked not only for her brother's grocery store, but for her father's liquor store, both also located in Westport. After the passing of both her father and sister, the liquor store was sold, and Marie wound up working at Barnes & Noble in Westport, where she spent some 15 years until she retired. During her many years at Barnes & Noble, she became a familiar sight to patrons of the store, recommending numerous books for them for their reading pleasure.

Over the course of her life, she was very active at her church, St. Pius X RC Church, where she served on many committees, lending assistance to the many priests who served there. She also served for many years as a poll worker for the town of Fairfield. Marie was a loving and caring individual who touched many lives and will be remembered with great fondness by all.

Calling hours will take place on Monday, February 19 from 4:00 to 8:00 in the Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, in Fairfield Center. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, February 20 at 11:00 in St. Pius X Church 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. A reception will be held in Marie's honor and will follow immediately after in the Church's Community Room. A private interment will be held at a later date at Assumption Cemetery in Westport. For travel directions or to sign her online guest register book, please visit, www.LeskoFuneralHome.com.