Sarah Cerilli of East Haven: Obituary with Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Sarah (Nastri) Cerilli, 98, lifelong resident of East Haven passed away peacefully on June 13, 2025. She was born July 25, 1926 in New Haven to Pasquale and Nancy (Bounocore) Nastri. Sarah is survived by her loving and devoted children: Richard Cerilli (Deborah) of Orange, Robert Cerilli (Vanessa) of North Haven and Maria DelChiaro (John) of East Haven along with five grandchildren she adored: Nicole Papadopoulos (Alex), Kristin Zanjani, Robert Cerilli Jr. (Lara), Adam Cerilli, and Victoria DelChiaro (Nicholas Perry). She is also survived by her seven great grandchildren: Bryton Zanjani, Sophia Papadopoulos, Zoe Papadopoulos, Lyla Zanjani, Vianna Cerilli, Westyn Cerilli and Nico Perry.

Sarah is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 75 years, George Cerilli (2023) and her siblings: Marie Holland, Lillian Carboni, Bridget Matthews and Pasquale Nastri Jr.

Sarah Cerilli, lovingly known to many as “Nonnie,” passed away peacefully just one month shy of her 99th birthday. Sarah was deeply woven into the fabric of East Haven, where she left a lasting impression on everyone; she worked for the East Haven Board of Education for over 25 years as a secretary for the food service. She was also a familiar and beloved face at East Haven High School sports games, where she proudly sold tickets and showed unwavering support for local athletes. Her presence at these events wasn’t just appreciated — it was expected.

Sarah lived life with passion, sharp humor, and unapologetic honesty. She was known — and respected — for never holding back how she felt. With a glance or a word, she made it clear where she stood. That fearless authenticity earned her not only admiration but a bit of well-deserved fear — and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Outside of work and community, Sarah found joy in traveling the world, especially to her beloved Aruba, where she returned time and time again with friends. She embraced life fully, with good food, laughter, and a suitcase always ready for the next adventure. In addition to Aruba, our parents enjoyed going to Las Vegas for the sun, heat and casinos.

Fiercely loyal, endlessly strong, and truly one of a kind, Sarah leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and bold truth. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She also worked the East Haven Senior Center for over 15 years, a place she enjoyed and claims to have had “the time of her life.”

Family will receive friends Wednesday June 18, 2025 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home), 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven from 9 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. at which time her funeral procession will leave for a 11 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Bernadette, 385 Townsend Ave., New Haven with Committal/Burial to follow at All Saints Cemetery in North Haven.