Obituary of Giovanna Ciufo Forte

Giovanna (Jenny) Ciufo Forte, age 98 of Bridgeport, passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at her home. Born in Tufo di Minturno, Province of Latina, Italy, on March 10, 1927, Giovanna was the daughter of Henry Ciufo and Maria (Rasile) Ciufo, also from Italy.

She was a seamstress most of her life, working for companies such as Leather Modo, Ritz Fashion, and WARNACO.  She was active at St. Margaret’s Shrine, a member of the Padre Pio Prayer Group, and the Ladies Altar Guild.   On February 27, 1954, she married Michele Forte and together shared 54 years until his passing.

They both settled in the United States and raised a family in Bridgeport, CT. Giovanna and Michael were both very proud of their Italian heritage, cooking, and especially music.

Giovanna is survived by her son, Joseph F. Forte of Bridgeport; her son, Henry A. Forte; daughter-in-law, Deborah Ann Forte; and granddaughter, Madeline Lucia Forte, all from Milford, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Giovanna was pre-deceased by her sister, Rose Visalli, and brother-in-law, Natale Visalli from Utica, N.Y.   

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 10:30 am in St. Margaret Shrine, Bridgeport. Entombment will follow in the St. Monica Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday morning beginning at 9:00 am in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. In place of flowers, contributions in Jenny’s name may be made to St. Margaret Shrine, 2523 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604. For online condolences, please visit us at www.abriola.com.