Mario Carotti

Lifelong Raconteur

and Gourmand

Mario Carotti, 88, of Ridgefield, died January 31. Mr Carotti was born in San Terenzo al Mare, Italy, on June 21, 1920, and immigrated to the United States in 1935 with his mother and brother to join his father.

Survivors include “mia adorata moglietina,” Nancy, his wife and partner of 54 years; and two sons, including Paolo and his wife, Lisa, of Newtown; and two grandchildren.

Mr Carotti was a veteran of World War II. He made his career as a food importer and exporter and food broker, retiring from M.W. Houck as senior vice president in 1985.

Mr Carotti shared his love of Italian food as a cooking instructor in the Adult Continuing Education programs in Ridgefield and Wilton, was a parishioner of Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church of Ridgefield, and was active in “A Better Chance” of Ridgefield and Founders Hall. Mr Carotti liked nothing better than to share a glass of wine, a good meal, and a great story with family and friends. He will be remembered fondly by the many whose lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church of Ridgefield on Saturday, February 21, at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Road, Ridgefield CT 06877; Founders Hall of Ridgefield, 193 Danbury Road, Ridgefield CT 06877; or to Yale School Of Medicine, Attn: Jancy Houck, Box 7611, New Haven CT 06519.

The Newtown Bee        February 13, 2009