Obituary of Ann Catandella

Ann Sorrentino Faustine Catandella, 94, Namesake and Co-Founder of Ann's Newfield Bakeries, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2005 at Cambridge Manor in Fairfield. She was the wife of the late Joseph Catandella. Mrs. Catandella was born in Bridgeport on October 5, 1910, daughter of Michael and Lucy Sorrentino. She was predeceased by her brothers Christopher, Anthony, Benjamin, and Frank, and sisters Lena LaMacchia, Mae Watkins, and Josephine Peeso. She is survived by a sister, Frances Salce of Fairfield.

A lifelong resident of Bridgeport, Ann, along with former husband Samuel Faustine, founded and operated Anns Newfield Bakeries, a Bridgeport landmark for fifty-four years. Originally opened in 1933 as Anns Home Bakery and located at 1691 Main Street in Bridgeport, the business expanded over the years to include thirteen store outlets in seven area cities and towns. Ann was the public face of the business, meeting and interacting with customers in the stores until her retirement shortly before Anns Newfield Bakery was sold in 1987. The bakery over the years was especially known for its wedding, birthday and party cakes. Bridgeport residents remember the beautiful tiered wedding cakes that lined the windows at the Main Street store. During World War II the bakery would ship cakes to soldiers overseas, something that Ann was always very proud of. She felt it was a valuable link for the soldiers to their home town. Throughout her life, Ann recalled with fondness and pride, the enormous number of newlyweds and children who celebrated important events with her wedding and themed cakes. She enjoyed the many friendships she made through the business working with her girls and the many local residents who recognized her as the Ann, taking time to thank her again for her help and kindness.

Mrs. Catandella was a founding member of the Ladies of Unico and served as their Treasurer for twenty years. She also was a member of the Saint Theresa Guild of Holy Rosary Church in Bridgeport and was involved in many other charitable organizations. She is survived by a daughter, Anna Mary Janda and her husband John of Virginia, two sons, Frank Faustine and his wife Betty of New Mexico and Kenneth Faustine and his wife Barbara of Old Lyme, Connecticut, a stepson Dr. Kenneth Catandella of Trumbull and a stepdaughter, Joann Fletcher and her husband William, of Texas, as well as 22 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at 9:00 a.m. from the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, and at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Rosary Church, Bridgeport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Entombment will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Stratford. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. and on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The CT Hospice, 680 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton, CT 06484