Emily R. Pasqua, 97, a long-time resident of New Canaan, CT, walked peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus on February 27, 2026. Her loving son, Bruce, was by her side at the time of her passing.
Emily R. Pasqua
Emily was born September 10, 1928, at home, on Locust Avenue in New Canaan, CT, the town she loved, to the late Costanzo Rainone and Maria DiChiaro Rainone. Growing up in New Canaan, Emily participated in many town events, including the Knights of Columbus Dance Review, Knights of Columbus Drama Club, and singing in the St. Aloysius choir.
Emily began her career in 1948 with G.C. Murphy Department Store in New Canaan as a salesclerk, eventually expanding her responsibilities to include managing most of the store activities, before leaving in 1963 to take a position with the New Canaan Board of Education Business Office. There, she worked her way from payroll secretary to payroll supervisor, a position she held until 1998. Thereafter, Emily devoted her attention to her career as a realtor with All-Star Realty in Stamford, CT. Throughout her career, Emily always showed compassion and took great joy in helping others.
Emily fell in love with, and married, Edward Sessa on July 9, 1955. On July 4, 1958, they welcomed their son, Bruce. As a working mother, caring for her husband and son, Emily endured many tasks to keep the family going forward, always putting her family’s needs before her own. She was always ready to cook or bake when needed for any event, whether it be for family or friends. You never left her home without something to eat. Emily loved parties and dancing, and she was never too tired to enjoy the festivities. One of Emily’s favorite holidays was Christmas Eve, which included preparing an abundance of seafood in accordance with the Italian tradition, and no one would ever leave her home without having a piece of her famous New York cheesecake. Another of her cherished holidays was Fourth of July, where Emily would prepare her signature barbeque with an Italian flare. Emily’s most memorable trip was when she visited Italy with her son in 1990.
Emily enjoyed donating her time to many community and charitable organizations, including Cub Scouts, Stamford Teachers Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, Catholic Charities of Stamford, League of Women Voters, Election Poll Volunteer (Stamford, New Canaan), Stamford Babe Ruth League Baseball World Series Tournament (1999, 2002), Stamford Old-Timers Athletic Association Golf Tournament and Celebrity Sports Dinner, Catholic Daughters of America, and Knights of Columbus Columbiettes Stamford.
Emily was preceded in death by first husband, Edward Sessa (d. 1/19/1973), second husband, Fred Pasqua (d. 11/16/2021), sister Mary Iarussi, and four brothers (Louis, Chris, Peter, and Anthony Rainone). Emily is survived by her son, Bruce P. Sessa, sisters Connie Razzaia and Carmella Scarpetti. Bruce would like to express his deepest gratitude to the doctors and staff at Stamford Hospital and the Tully Center for all of the loving care they provided to Emily. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or DAV: Disabled American Veterans.
The Family is being compassionately cared for by the staff at Hoyt Funeral Home, 199 Main Street, New Canaan CT 06840
For online condolences please visit www.hoytfuneralhome.com