Antoinette DelFranco Serra, 86, of Branford, passed away June 14, 2017 in Branford Hills Rehab.Center. Born in West Haven Sept. 20, 1930, she was the daughter of the late John and Theresa DelFranco. Toni worked for over 30 years in the Branford School Cafeterias. In her retirement, she enjoyed watching sports and shows on television. She also loved being with the family dogs, KC, Kyla & Ryder, all of whom miss her dearly. She also enjoyed the music of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. What is there to say when a shining star shoots across the night sky and leaves a blazing trail on its way to eternal sleep? First, there is a gasp, then we grieve at the loss, then we grasp and learn to accept the reality; then we rejoice in the moment we held that shining star in our gaze. It has been a long strange trip, and boy, did we enjoy the ride! Toni is survived by two sons, the younger being David Serra of East Haven and the older, Stephen Serra with whom she resided for the last two decades of her life on the outskirts of Branford; one brother, Sam DelFranco; and her grandson, Joshua Serra. She was predeceased by a brother, John DelFranco. The family would like to acknowledge and thank all the people who helped care for Toni for the last 15 years of her life.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary’s Church, 731 Main St., Branford Thursday morning at 11:00. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to Orchard House of Branford, 421 Shore Drive, Branford, CT 06405.