Shirley A. Fusco

Shirley A. Fusco of Branford passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026. Born on September 8, 1938 in New Haven to the late Adele Grana Ferrara and James Ferrara, Shirley lived a life deeply rooted in family, hard work, and quiet strength.

She is survived by her children, Gina (late David) Depukat and David (Michelle) Fusco, and her three devoted grandsons, David M. (Krista) Depukat, Mark (Jenna) Fusco, and Christopher (Olivia) Fusco. She cherished her great-grandchildren—Maddy, Lilly, Landon, and Ava—beyond measure. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Fusco; her brother, James Ferrara; her sister, Rose Ferrara; her son-in-law, David Depukat; and her infant son, Mark Peter Fusco. The thought of being reunited with Mark Peter brought her great comfort in her final days.

Shirley worked for many years in the family business, All Type Printing, before beginning a second career as an office assistant with Allergy Associates in New Haven. There she mastered new skills and formed lasting bonds with the doctors and staff, whom she considered family. An avid sports fan, she loved UCONN basketball and Yankee baseball, sharing lively discussions about players and statistics with her grandsons. She was a wonderful cook who took great joy in gathering her family for Sunday dinners, never missing a milestone in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was often the last one standing at celebrations, savoring every moment and bringing laughter to those around her.

Later in life, Shirley created many cherished memories with her lifelong friends Antoinette Oliveira, Marie Esposito, the late Jean Iannucci, and her dearest friend Peggy Vollono. These women shared a lifetime of stories and adventures. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring staff in the memory care unit at Harbor Chase in Branford.