Irene F. Garaffa

Irene Garaffa (nee Fortin) of Cortlandt Manor, NY, formerly of Stamford CT, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was 100 years old. She born on August 27, 1925, in Waterville, ME to Dennis and Martha Fortin, both deceased. She was 38 days shy of her 101st Birthday. She was also predeceased by her husband, William Garaffa, in 1975 and her oldest grandchild, Stacey Granelli-Johnson, in 2003. She was the oldest of her siblings, Shirley Pirro, Janet Sansone, Bernice Shirey, Denis Fortin, Ruth Carriero, and Jerry Fortin, who have all predeceased her. She remained the matriarch of the family until her passing. She is survived by her three children, Sandy (Richard) Granelli of Stamford, CT, Dan (Anita) Garaffa of Port St. Lucie, FL and Renee (Anthony) Vadala of Cortlandt Manor, NY. She had ten grandchildren, Stacey Granelli-Johnson (Jack), Krista Martinelli (Dan), Heather Buxton, Shana Guidice (Tony), Anthony Vadala (Carla), Joseph Vadala, Stephanie Youngman (Josh), Dr. Amy Garaffa-Ragaini (Bryan), Daniel Garaffa (Heather) and Dr. David Garaffa (Rachelle). Irene was lovingly known as Gigi to her 17 great-grandchildren, Logan, Luke, Gracie, Drew, Luca, Gianna, Carina, Desmond, Lincoln, Jacob, Lucia, Giovanna, Vincenza, Sean, Carter, Tanner, and Colter. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Her family settled on a farm in Pound Ridge, NY; she was so proud that she was in the first Girl Scout Troop in Pound Ridge before moving to Stamford. She loved her family, all animals, art, travel, nature, and reading. She retired from GE Capital in Stamford, CT. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1st, from 9am to 11am at Bosak Funeral Home & Cremation, 453 Shippan Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902. A Prayer Service will follow at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will be private. The family wants to thank the staff at the Cortlandt Healthcare Center in Cortlandt Manor, NY for the exceptional care and love that was given to their mother. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Irene’s favorite charity in her memory: Shih Tzu & Furbabies Rescue, POB 5068, Saint Mary’s, GA 31558 www.stfbr.org, 912-467-1191. If you wish to make an online remembrance for the family, you may sign the family guestbook at www.bosakfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/bosakfuneralhome .

Irene F. Garaffa

August 27, 1925 - July 20, 2026