MARITATO

Katherine

Aunt Kitty was a uniquely sweet, loving and cheerful person who was blessed to live more than 102 years. She was one of five children, four of them grew up together in Coney Island New York, older sister Gloria, younger brothers Michael and Louis, and half brother Michelle “ Big Mike” who was born in Italy.

She was married to Gennaro “Gerry“ Maritato. She had been a talented seamstress in her younger days but together they ran a successful fruit and vegetable business with Gerry pedaling his wares over Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods and Kitty running a retail store. They literally saved nickels and dimes to purchase a lovely home in Canarsie, Brooklyn and later a condo in Hollywood, Florida. Never having been blessed with children of their own, they doted on their nephews and nieces and their beloved pets. She was known as a fabulous cook and baker, they hosted weekly get together both inside and outside of their lovely home.

When her husband Gerry, a disabled World War II veteran, succumbed to his lung illnesses, she was left alone. Being fiercely independent, she got her driver's license and continued doing the things she loved, going to Italian music festivals, attending mass at St. David's, church bingo and slots at the Hard Rock Casino.

Then Fred Santoro came into her life and expanded her joy of living, ballroom dancing almost every week. Anyone who saw them together knew they had something very special between them. Fred’s sons and daughters showered her with love and affection and surely added to her love of life.

In her advanced years she was blessed to have her nephew Anthony and niece JoJo become her guardian angels, always making sure she was safely protected and cared for. She was treated like a queen at her chosen assisted living facility "The Palace Renaissance".

For all of those who loved her, she will be sorely missed but we all know heaven is a happier place with Kitty in residence. Rest in peace Kitty, we will always love you.

The service will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Brooklyn in May or June 2026.

Please keep the Maritato family in your thoughts and prayers. The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is Honored to assist the Maritato family with the arrangements.