Obituary of Carol Ann Conti

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Carol Ann (Bottone) Conti, 82, on September 2nd surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. She was born in Norwalk in 1941 to Saverio "Sam" Bottone and Estelle (Canfield), the younger sister of Samuel Bernard "Bernie." She was predeceased by her husband Dominick Conti Jr., her son Dominick Conti III, her parents, her brother, and many other family members who are all now playing bocce in heaven. Carol was a pillar of the Darien community who will be greatly missed. She served Noroton Heights Fire Department for 61 years, including serving as President of the Ladies Auxiliary and non-line member. Together with her beloved husband, they owned and operated Dominick Conti Excavating Inc. of Darien for over 20 years until his passing in 2001. She worked at the Darien Board of Education for 25 years in multiple roles, finishing her career as the administrative assistant to the principal at Darien High School. She retired from DHS in 2004, but wasn't ready to stop serving the community, and began working at St. John Catholic Church Religious Education until last year. Carol was a gifted musician who started at a young age. Carol and Bernie were members of the Saddle Ridge Riders, a country-western group who performed in local establishments and radio stations in the 1950's. She could often be heard singing and playing the piano while family and friends joined in. Our favorite memories will always be her amazing Italian meals. She will be fondly remembered stirring giant pots of tomato sauce and her legendary meatballs, when she would lovingly feed the entire fire department. Almost every Sunday she could be found at Chuck's Steakhouse with her best friends Sue and John Russo and her family. Carol is survived by her daughter Carleen Wood, and daughter and son-in-law Donna and Anthony Casella, as well as her grandchildren Dominick Wood and Samantha and her husband Andy Rumore. The entire Conti family will forever be grateful to the loving nurses and staff at Waveny LifeCare Center. Their smiles, humor, and genuine compassion to our beloved mother will never be forgotten. Calling hours will be held at Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Rd Darien on Friday Sept 8 from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John Catholic Church 1986 Post Rd Darien on Saturday Sept 9 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery 223 Richards Ave Norwalk, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Noroton Heights Fire Department in Darien, Waveny LifeCare Network in New Canaan, or Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford.