Mary V. Pesticci Kranich, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd surrounded by family at the Hospital of St. Raphaels. She was the widow of the late William G. Kranich who were married for 55 years. Mary "Gootchie" was born on May 20, 1930, daughter of the late James V. and Mary(Clark)Pesticci. She is survived by her children: Cynthia(Richard)Altieri, William J.(Pam)Kranich, James(Lynn)Kranich and Kevin Kranich. She was predeceased by her daughter Bilinda(John)Scalzo. She is also survived by her sister Elizabeth Livieri, brother Paul(Wendy& Gabriella) and eleven grandchildren: Marissa(Mike)Monocchi, Jason Scalzo, Jeffrey(Michelle)Altieri, Kristen(Tim)DeCarli, Tricia(Salvatore)Morello, Jarrod Scalzo and Justin Scalzo, Jami-Ann Kranich, Chelsea(Jonathan)Kranich, Kyle Kranich and Cameron Kranich and 10 beloved great grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews including Lauren(Steve)Rowen and Linda Livieri. Mary graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1948 and Rider College in 1952 where she played on the first women's basketball team. She was a former girls' coach at Cheshire Academy, worked in real estate, and as a para-professional in the Hamden Public Schools system. Mary was the first president of the Hamden Junior Women's Club, President of the Marian Guild at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish, and a founding member of the St. Joan of Arc Parish. Mary and Bill followed UConn basketball, Yale football, Hamden High Athletics, especially football where she was instrumental in forming the Green Dragon Gridiron Club. More recently, Mary followed Jami-Ann's career with the Boston Breakers. Mary was known for her delicious sauces and chicken recipes which she cooked for her family and friends. Mary was an avid fan of tennis and golf on TV. Family vacations were spent in Vermont or centered around the beaches in Westbrook and Narragansett. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Kranich Family Athletic Scholarship Fund to benefit college bound football athletes from Hamden High c/o Cynthia Altieri, 65 Duel Drive, Hamden, CT 06518. Friends may call Thursday, August 6th from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Torello Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden. Friends are asked to go directly to St. Joan of Arc Parish, 450 West Todd Street, Hamden at 10:00 AM on Friday, August 7th. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamden.