Obituary of Barbara Eliza Firisin

Barbara Eliza (Damato) Firisin of Stratford passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, June 24th at the age of 83. Barbara was born in New Haven to William and Nancy Damato.  She met her beloved husband, the late Paul Firisin, at a dance at the Inn at Longshore in 1968. They began their married life in Easton in 1970 and Barbara came to dearly love raising their family in a small New England town. 

During the fifties, Barbara attended Sacred Heart Academy and Albertus Magnus College.  She earned her MSW from Smith College, and enjoyed many adventures traveling abroad and skiing in Europe and Vermont.  Barbara is remembered for her many years of care for children and families as a social worker for Trumbull Schools.  After retiring as the Director of the Trumbull Preschool, Barbara moved to Stratford. She followed her love of history and became an active volunteer serving on the Board of Directors of the Stratford Historic Society. 

Barbara's greatest happiness was found with family and friends.  Barbara cherished every moment of being a grandma to her grandchildren, Piper and Drew Chieda.  She is also survived by her daughters, Jenny and her husband Drew Chieda of Easton, and Dr. Katy Firisin, of Stratford, her brothers and their wives, Ken and Kathy Damato and William and Ellen Damato, sister-in-law Lois Firisin, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 

Those who knew and loved her are invited to attend Mass on Thursday, June 29th, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Stratford. Interment will follow at Aspetuck Cemetery in Easton.  Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, June 28th from 4:00-6:00 pm at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT, 06611.  All are invited to wear summer colors in celebration of Barbara’s beautiful life. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Stratford Historical Society, 967 Academy Hill, Stratford, CT, 06615.