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Diane Santa Barbara of Branford and Naples, Florida, passed away on May 26 at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was the beloved wife of Thomas Santa Barbara of Branford for 62 years. She was the mother of Anne MacKinnel (David) of Branford and Thomas F. Santa Barbara of Branford. She was the sister of Elaine Klarman of Branford and John Piscitello of Windsor. She is also survived by her grandchildren Taylor, Tiffany, and Tommy and her great-grandchildren Kaden and Summer.

Diane was born in New Haven on Oct. 30, 1940, a daughter of Frank and Helen Sokolosky Piscitello. For many years, Diane and her husband Tom owned and operated Royal Carting in Branford. Once retired, they built their dream home in Naples, Florida. Together, Diane and Tom would reside in Florida during the winter months, spending their time golfing with friends, and return to Branford during the summer to be with family. Diane’s love for her family was palpable. She put them at the center of her world and showed it in every way. She raised her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with patience, kindness, and love. She never missed a graduation, birthday party, baseball game, or dance recital and was always there to proudly cheer them on. Diane was truly the matriarch of the family, and she will be deeply missed by her loved ones.

A funeral service was held on May 31 in the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home in Branford. Burial followed in St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford. Memorial donations in Diane’s name may be made to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 East Main St. Branford, CT 06405. Please see her online memorial at www.wsclancy.com.