Sandra Ann (Mariano) Gerl, 82, of North Port, FL, died Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Venice, Florida.

Sandra was born in Waterbury, CT, on November 7, 1941, daughter of the late Nicholas and Margaret (Scozzafava) Mariano.  She grew up in the Little Italy neighborhood of Naugatuck and was a 1959 graduate of Naugatuck High School.  She was remembered as a beloved waitress at Naugatuck's Charcoal Kitchen, and Expresso Restaurant and Holiday Seasons Restaurant in Waterbury.  In 1981, she moved to Clinton where she worked at and was part owner of Anthony's Cabin Italian Restaurant.  Sandra enjoyed many years of shoreline life in Clinton before moving to Florida.  An avid cook, a favorite saying of hers was, "Follow the recipe!"

She is survived by her son, Charles Fennimore of North Port, FL; her two cherished sisters, Bonita Day of Plantsville, CT, and Margaret Maye of Cheshire, CT; four grandchildren, Josefa Yanyac of Middletown, CT, Sandra Smith of Westbrook, CT, Margie Prevost of Palm Coast, FL, and Charles Fennimore Jr. of New Haven, CT; six great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a niece, Lynn Cantillon of Bridgeport, CT; two nephews, Stephen Doughty of Plantsville, CT, and her godson Philip Gianatasio of Emerson, NJ; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.  She also leaves behind her ex-husband Frederick Gerl of Old Lyme, CT, and many other dear friends in Connecticut and Florida.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a nephew, Anthony Mariano of Naugatuck, CT.

Calling hours and burial will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL  34224 (www.humane.org) The Naugatuck Valley Memorial/ Fitzgerald Zembruski Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To send an online condolence or share a memory, please visit  www.naugatuckvalleymemorial.com.