Catherine M. Belardinelli

Catherine M. Belardinelli 98, of Fairfield, CT and formerly County Clare, Ireland, peacefully passed away on December 9, 2025. Cathy was born in Meelick, Co. Clare on October 25, 1927 to the late Thomas and Ellen Moore (nee White). Cathy attended the local primary school and subsequently Presentation College, Limerick. Cathy is predeceased by her husband Edmund ‘Bino’ Belardinelli, her brothers and sisters, and a number of nieces and nephews.

In her mid-twenties, Cathy immigrated, first to London and then in 1959 to the United States. She settled initially in Westport, CT and her first job was as a nanny. She worked for a time in Norwalk Hospital but eventually found her vocation as a waitress at Gold's Delicatessen in Westport where she was a cherished member of staff for nearly 50 years. She is immortalised in many photos that adorn the walls of the deli to this day.

Cathy made fast friends on her arrival in this country and some of those friends from her earliest days remained as life-long friends. She was also renowned for taking newly arrived Irish girls under her wing and helping them establish their lives in America. Soon after arriving, Cathy met the man who would become her beloved husband, Ed of Bridgeport CT. Cathy was embraced into the Italian American community and it became a source of pride for her to bring the Irish and Italian parts of her family together.

Despite settling thousands of miles from her birthplace, Cathy maintained strong bonds with family and made annual journeys to Limerick where she connected with old friends and neighbours who always delighted in hearing all the news from stateside. Cathy and her husband regularly welcomed family and friends from Ireland at their home in Fairfield.

Cathy lived an active and sociable life and was always happiest when holding court amongst her many friends who spanned the generations. She will be sadly missed by her wide circle of family, friends and supportive neighbours.

Mass of Christian burial on Monday, December 15, 2025 at St. Margaret Shrine, 2523 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 at 10:00am, followed by burial at Lawncroft Cemetery, Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield, 06825.