Dorothy Ann Tamassia, 99, formerly of Hamden, CT, passed away peacefully on July 27th, 2023 in Port St. Lucie, FL.

She was born, the youngest child, to Carmela and Bartholomew Santillo on May 26th, 1924 in Hamden, CT.  Dorothy and her six siblings grew up on their parent's farm, Santillo Farm, which is now known as Hamden Hills\Town Walk in Hamden, CT. Stories of climbing trees and eating the freshest fruits and vegetables on the farm were lovingly told to future generations.  The farm is also where Dorothy first came across the love of her life, Paul Tamassia of Hamden, CT. Paul was just 12 when he started working on the farm after school. He earned her family's approval early on, but it took a few more years to persuade Dorothy to go on their first date, as he was two years younger. When that date finally came, Paul, 17, took Dorothy, 19, to a Yankees game (Dorothy was a huge Yankees fan) and dinner in NYC.  But the courtship was interrupted by World War II, when Paul enlisted in the US Navy, one month shy of his 18th birthday.  In spite of the war, Paul's undying devotion to Dorothy was clear.  While stationed at Norfolk Naval Station, he one time hitchhiked from Virginia to Connecticut, just to see his sweetheart, Dorothy. During this time, Dorothy also graduated from Stone Business School in New Haven, CT and worked in a New Haven law office for several years. She greatly enjoyed this period of her life and talked about it often.

Paul and Dorothy married in November 1948 and went on to have three beautiful daughters, a beautiful home in Hamden, CT and an enviable marriage of laughter, love, and pride in their family that lasted 67 years.  They retired to a beautiful home in Port St. Lucie, FL in 1989 and enjoyed a rich life of friendships, family, food and travel, until Paul's death in 2015.

Dorothy was a kind, caring and giving person, who always put the needs of her family before her own. She came from a close-knit Italian Catholic family. This meant that she was not only a woman of strong faith, but also an excellent cook.  For many years, she cooked delicious Italian meals every Sunday for the entire family including her parents, siblings, aunts, uncles and children.  Later in life, she delighted her own grandchildren with her famous lasagna, eggplant parmesan and her amazing escarole soup with mini meatballs. Dorothy was a strong, loving woman and a great role model for her daughters and grandchildren. She was passionate about her family, a source of inspiration, who always made time for all of us. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Patricia Gatter of North Haven, CT, her husband Frank, their sons Craig and Eric, and great grandsons Joshua and Samuel; daughter, Paula Tamassia of East Haven, CT and her daughter Britney; daughter, Suzanne Duggan of Palm City, FL, her husband Mark and their daughter, Shannon; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Angelo and Harry Santillo and four sisters, Julia Masotta, Frances Melillo, Geraldine Roche and Gloria Palluotto, all of Hamden, CT.

We thank you, Mom and Grandma, for always being there for us and we will always love you. Rest in Peace and we know you and Dad are happily reunited again.