Nancy P Spezzano

With heavy hearts, the family of Nancy Phyllis DePreta Spezzano announces her death at the remarkable age of 104. Born on March 26, 1922, in Stamford, Connecticut, Nancy grew up as one of eight children and the daughter of Italian immigrants, Joseph DePreta and Maria Pia DePreta. She graduated from Stamford High School and began working at Northam Warren Cosmetics Co., occasionally being used as a hand model. Northam Warren became War Works during World War II, where Nancy contributed to the war effort.

Eventually, Nancy met the love of her life, Astor "Ozzie" Spezzano of Spezzano Drive, Riverside, Connecticut. After a courtship of dances, parties, and beach picnics, Ozzie asked Nancy to marry him on the dance floor of Laddin's Terrace in Stamford. They taught their four children, Lynn (Rick MacLennan), Bette (Patricia Sullivan), Mary Ellen (Robert Mowbray), and Astor "Ozzie" (Karen Munoz), that hard work, determination, and education could open any door. Both worked multiple jobs, sent their children to private schools and colleges, all while giving them the quintessential American childhood. There were road trips, card games, caroling, and hazy summer cookouts. Their Riverside home, which Ozzie and Nancy built themselves, was home to extended family and friends. Nancy referred to it as Grand Central Station-someone was always coming or going. The house was often filled with the aroma of either Nancy's home-cooked meals or fabulous baked goods (her chocolate cake is the stuff of legend).

Although Ozzie passed away in 1983, Nancy remained utterly devoted to him until her death. Nancy often told her grandchildren, "They broke the mold when they made your Nuni." Upon Ozzie's death, Nancy continued an over-30-year career with General Electric, retiring as a supervisor and collateral analyst. But truly, her grandchildren became the sun around which her world revolved. She was the only babysitter her children ever needed, and each grandchild could expect visits to museums, the movies, walks at Tod's Point, homemade pizza for dinner, and pancakes and eggs for breakfast. Her relationship with each grandchild was unique, built on the knowledge that her home was their home and that they would always have a place there.

Nancy was one in a million. Her family was blessed to have her as their foundation for 104 beautiful years. She leaves behind her four children and their spouses, seven grandchildren and their spouses, eight great-grandchildren, one sister, Emma Muskus of Stamford, Connecticut, and numerous nieces and nephews. Nancy is predeceased by her sisters, Nicolena Vetrane, Angelina Picciallo, Josephine Piro, Marie DeRubis, and her brothers Nunzie DePreta and Anthony DePreta. Thank you to Gwendy Francis for her devotion and care in our mother's final years. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Constellation Hospice. A wake is being held Friday, June 12, 2026, from 4pm to 7pm at Lacerenza Macari Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Ave, Stamford, CT, and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 13th at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine's Church, 4 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, CT. Interment immediately after at St. Mary's Cemetery, North Street, Greenwich. To leave an online condolence, visit www.lacerenzafh.com