Columbus, OH — Mary Ann Antonacci (DeRosa), 91, beloved widow of Gaetano “Sonny” Antonacci and longtime resident of Somers, Conn., died peacefully on April 27, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 8, 1932, the oldest daughter of the late Gerardo and Agatina (Corso) DeRosa. She graduated from New Utrecht High School in 1950 and worked as an executive secretary in Manhattan for several years.

She met the love of her life, Sonny, at a mutual friend’s wedding. They married on Nov. 15, 1952, in Brooklyn. Mary Ann and Sonny started their family in Lindenhurst, Long Island where they resided for many years before moving their family to Somers in 1974.

Mrs. Antonacci was a founding partner of Somers Sanitation (USA Hauling & Recycling), Son Mar Haven, and Lindy Farms of Connecticut and was instrumental in all the day-to-day operations, working as secretary, accountant, and dispatcher, among many other titles.

She was a devout Catholic and an active member of All Saints Church in Somersville. For many years, she volunteered at Enfield Loaves and Fishes and Meals on Wheels.

Mrs. Antonacci was known for being compassionate and welcoming; both her heart and her table always had room for more. She opened her home to all and treated everyone like family; nothing made her happier than spending quality time with those she loved. Friends from far and wide called Mary Ann and Sonny’s house “home” over the decades. She was selfless and truly lived for others. She lived her faith every day, always looking for ways to serve her family, community, and especially those in need.

She was a strong matriarch to her family and she shared her wisdom through stories, wit and often the perfectly timed look. Her love, faith and history will be carried on through her family. She was, and is, an irreplaceable pillar in the foundation and growth of the family businesses.

Mrs. Antonacci loved her German Shepherds, including her beloved Pearl. She also loved the farm and her horses, and was consistently a passionate fan and a keen critic of racing performances. She would never miss a race.

She has joined her husband of 49 years, Sonny, in heaven. She is also reunited with other family members that preceded her in death, including brothers and their spouses, Salvatore “Sal” and Marianne DeRosa and Anthony “Tony” DeRosa; brother-in-law, Benny Benfanti; sisters-in-law and their spouses, Marie Guerrazzi and Frances and Joseph Troiano.

Mrs. Antonacci is survived by her sister, Josephine Benfanti (DeRosa); sister-in-law, Nancy DeRosa; cousin, Carlo Lanzisera; and her several adored nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her two beloved sons and their spouses, Frank “the Elder” and Rebecca (Clark) and Gerald “Jerry” and Frances “Franny” (Froment); her six grandchildren and spouses that she adored, Frank Michael and Jessica (Salafia), Guy Gerald and Rachel (Lewis), Christopher Clark and Olivia (Clement), Sara Frances and Christopher Jez, Matthew Albert, and Philip Andrew and fiancé Ellie Trudeau; and her seven great-grandchildren, Frank Joseph, Sophia Mary Anne Jez, Luca Clark, Gabriella Joyce, Christopher John Jez, Gaetano Frank, and Natalie Shea.

The family would like to especially thank longtime caregivers and beloved friends Mary Jatta and Therese Jarju and their families, as well as close family friend Kevin Riley, and Dr. Sue Gates.

Calling hours are on Saturday (April 29) from 7- 9 p.m. and on Sunday (April 30) from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Road, Enfield, CT 06082. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday (May 1) at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Church, 25 School Street, Somersville, CT 06072 (please meet at the church) followed by a procession to Somers Center Cemetery, 81 Battle Street, Somers, CT 06072.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Old Iron Ore Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002 and the Mary Ann Antonacci Scholarship at Wilbraham and Monson Academy, 423 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.Leetestevens.com.