Ann T. Martino

Ann T. Martino, 99, of New Milford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. She was the devoted wife of the late James V. Martino, who predeceased her in 1985. Their love story and life together remain one of her family’s greatest blessings.

Born on October 22, 1926, in Hartford, CT, Ann was the beloved daughter of the late Dominic and Christina (Novella) DiBella. She grew up in Connecticut and was a proud graduate of Danbury High School. A talented tap dancer in her youth, Ann brought joy, rhythm, and laughter to those around her long before she built the beautiful and loving family she cherished.

Ann began her early career as a medical assistant at an ENT office in Danbury, demonstrating her naturally caring and compassionate spirit. In 1949, she married the love of her life, James, and embraced her most treasured role as a loving wife and mother. She poured her heart into raising and nurturing her four children, dedicating every day to creating a home filled with security, tradition, and unconditional love.

Ann was a woman of remarkable strength, creativity, and determination. She wore many hats throughout her life working in retail, owning and operating an Italian restaurant, and running and owning a seafood restaurant. Her talents in the kitchen were unmatched, as she expressed her love through the meals, she lovingly prepared. She was known for her delicious cooking and baking and cherished every opportunity to gather family together around the table she so beautifully filled.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Ann enjoyed quiet moments with a good book just as much as she enjoyed being surrounded by family and quiet moments nature watching. She was resourceful, independent, and endlessly devoted to those she loved always willing to do whatever was needed to support her family’s well-being.

In 1993, Ann moved to New Milford, where she continued to be surrounded by love and laughter while living with her daughter Cheryl, son-in-law Rick Harrison, and their family. Her days were enriched by watching younger generations grow, sharing wisdom, stories, and traditions that will remain a part of them forever.

Ann will be remembered for her grace, resilience, sharp wit, and the warmth she brought into every room. Her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her will deeply miss her presence but will continue to honor her through the memories and love she leaves behind.

Mrs. Martino will be greatly missed by her three daughters Deborah A. Lewis, Nancy S. Crosby and her husband Charles of Tarpon Springs, FL, and Cheryl L Harrison of New Milford, CT. Her very loving and devoted son-in-law, Richard Harrison. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Christopher H. Lewis, Meghan L. Harrison and her fiancé Michael J. Finn, Kristin A. Lewis, Richard J. Harrison and his wife, Dr. Alysha M. Bullock, and Cameron J. Crosby. Additionally, Mrs. Martino is survived by her great grandchildren, Mikaylah L. Lewis, Alexis H. Lewis, Michael J. Lewis, and Chloe L. Harrison, her brother, Dominic DiBella and his wife, Sandra; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband James V. Martino Sr, her son James V. Martino Jr, her three sisters: Angelina Colla, Maryanne Mosca, and Rosemarie D'Alessio.

A funeral prayer service will be offered on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM in Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home; 9 Granville Avenue, Danbury. Interment will follow in Saint Peter Cemetery, Danbury. Family and friends will be received on Thursday morning, December 11 from 10:00 AM until the time of the prayer service at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury.

To honor Mrs. Martino's devotion to animals and her cherished "fur babies," in lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation in her memory to the Danbury Animal Welfare Society or the Danbury Pound for pets in need.