Frances Rende Zaccagnino, 93

Frances Rende Zaccagnino, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, after a long-fought battle with Alzheimer’s. Frances was born in San Fili, Calabria, Italy on November 9, 1932, the daughter of Josephine Cesario Rende and Carmine Rende. After arriving in the US at a young age, the family settled in New Rochelle, NY where she was raised. Frances graduated from New Rochelle High School and went to work for NBC and later for the Paulist Fathers Missionary. 

Frances met her late husband Nicholas Joseph Zaccagnino whom she married on February 13, 1955.  They celebrated 64 years of marriage before his passing in 2019. 

Frances had a life rich in love, laughter and culinary delights. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, and she thoroughly enjoyed feeding family and friends.

Natalie J. MacDonald, 100

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Natalie J. MacDonald of New Canaan, Connecticut, and Stuart, Florida, on May 19, 2026. She was 100 years old. Natalie was born on November 23, 1925, in Boston, Massachusetts, to the late Harold and Anne Jeanne Simpson. She grew up in Scarsdale, New York, and later graduated from Middlebury College. While at Middlebury, Natalie excelled in musical theater and won an audition to become the lead singer for the ROTC dance band.

Nicola ‘Pop’ DiFulvio, 89

Nicola “Pop” DiFulvio beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away May 16, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. 

Born on November 30, 1936 in Fara Filiorum Petri, Italy.  Nicola carried with him the values of hard work, loyalty and devotion to family throughout his life.  He proudly served in the Italian Military from 1959-1961 before immigrating to the United States in March of 1964 in search of a better future for his family and settled in New Canaan, CT. On September 15, 1962 Nicola married the love of his life, Assunta Spadaccini beginning a marriage full of dedication, strength and enduring love.  Together they built a beautiful family and shared many cherished years together.  Nicola was the proud father of five children, Ernest (Kathleen), Mauro, Nicola Jr., Lisa and Luciano (Erica).  He was also a loving grandfather to Ashley, Kenny, Lincoln and Wyatt. 

Nicola worked for the New Canaan Water Company from 1975 – 1996  where he was respected for his strong work ethic.  He was later a self-employed contractor in New Canaan.  He was an avid fisherman, hunter and loved his homemade wine and playing Bocce. Known affectionately as “Pop”, he was cherished for his warmth, sense of humor and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he loved and guided. 

He was predeceased by his brother Antonio and sister Maria. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 22, 2026 at 1pm at St.

Geraldine M. Fager, 94

Geraldine M. Fager died peacefully in her sleep at her home in New Canaan on May 2, 2026, at the age of 94. She will be remembered for her generous spirit, kindness, and natural grace. She dedicated most of her life to raising her children and helping others, particularly the homeless. Mrs. Fager graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels, a private girl’s school in New Jersey, and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University. She served as a public health nurse in Washington, D.C., and as a surgical nurse at Columbia University.

Michelino Bianco, 86

On Friday, May 1, 2026, our beloved Michelino, “Mike” Bianco, age 86, passed peacefully with his family by his side. Born in Panni, Italy, he was the son of the late Francesco and Maria Bianco. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria, and three children, Anna Soro and her husband Raffaele of New Canaan, Frank Bianco and his wife Jill of Ridgefield, and Janet Bianco of New Canaan. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren that he loved more than life itself: Lucian, Brianna, Lexie, Ellie, Michael, Izzy, Steven, and Sophie. Mike was predeceased by his brother Antonio, and his sisters, Saverina, Raffaela, and Giulietta. 

A man of remarkable dedication and versatility, there was little he couldn’t do.