Kathy Ruocco Riordan, of Killingworth, loving wife of 39 years to John J. Riordan, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family on October 13, 2024.

Mother of Cory (Kate) Riordan of Tampa, FL and Tyler (Stacey) Riordan of Gilford, NH. Beloved Nonnie to her four grandchildren, Ace, Jack, Everly, and Ketting Riordan. Sister of Florence Sundwall of North Branford, Anthony Ruocco of Milford, Margaret Amore of Clinton, and the late Theresa Redente. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Kathy was born in New Haven March 31, 1954, a daughter of the late Alphonse and Evelyn Ruocco, where she was a graduate of Wilbur Cross H.S. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from S.C.S.U. She was an elementary school teacher in the Hamden public school system, retiring after 25 years of service. She later taught at St. John Paul II Regional Catholic School in Middletown for three years. She was a passionate educator and loved her students.

Family was the center of her world, as her most cherished moments were spent surrounded by her four grandchildren. She loved to host holidays in both her Killingworth and her Florida home, with frequent trips to Disney World. Her intense love of animals was especially strong for her two dogs, Seoul and Sky.

Friends are invited to visit with Kathy's family on Saturday, November 9th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT. A remembrance service will be held at 12 noon. Interment will be private. Memorial contributions may be sent to Big Little Life Animal Rescue (www.biglittleliferescue.org) . To send a condolence, please see her obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com.