Katherine Tolisano

Katherine “Kay” (Riccio) Tolisano, 88, of East Hartford, loving wife of 59 years of Anthony Biagio Tolisano, entered into eternal life on Saturday, January 1, 2022 at Hartford Hospital. Born in Hartford on September 27, 1933, a daughter of the late Leo and Madeline (Donati) Riccio, she had been a resident of East Hartford since 1975. Prior to her retirement, Kay was employed by Phoenix Insurance Company in Hartford for 20 years and later worked in sales for several years at Sage Allen Department Store and Filene’s Department Store. A devout catholic, she was a faithful communicant of St. Rose Church and St. Mary’s Church both in East Hartford. Proud of her Italian heritage, she was a former member of the Italian Alliance Club of Hartford. She was a talented seamstress who liked to sew, crochet and knit afghans, scarves, gloves, for her family and friends along with booties and hats for infants to enjoy. She also liked cooking her Italian dishes, baking fudge and caramels, going to Foxwoods with her husband, and cheering on her beloved UConn women’s basketball team.

In addition to her husband, Kay is survived by her two devoted sons, Joseph L. Tolisano of East Hartford with whom she made her home, and Anthony V. Tolisano and his wife Sarah of Manchester; a sister, Victoria Perreault and her husband Roger of Unionville; a sister-in-law, Carol Riccio of Wallingford; five additional sisters-in-law and their families in Calabria, Italy; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Private funeral service and burial will be held at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Katherine’s name may be made to the North American Martyrs Parish, 15 Maplewood Avenue, East Hartford, CT 06108. Kay’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and entire staff at Hartford Hospital for their professionalism, care, compassion, and love given to Kay and her entire family. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.