Carolann Pucino

Carolann Higgins Pucino, 75, passed away peacefully on July, 15, 2025, with her family by her side. On April 18, 1950, Carolann was the last of seven children born to the late Bernard and Anna (Tatar) Higgins of Torrington, CT. Growing up in Torrington, CT, Carolann attended and graduated from St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School and Torrington High School, class of 1968. After graduation she worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET). She had two children, and served as the Room Mom throughout their years at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. She attended every school and sporting event and always made sure to bake brownies for the entire swim team to enjoy. When her children went off to college, she pursued a career as an Office Manager for local podiatrists, Dr. Dennis D’Onofrio and Dr. Robert Crovo both of Torrington, CT. She was also elected to the Board of Public Safety and served as a Commissioner in her hometown of Torrington, CT.

Carolann is survived by her husband of 25 years, John Pucino and by her two children, Matthew Kennedy (Jennifer), of New York and Kathy Kennedy Budge (David), of Cumming, GA, as well as her granddaughters Kylie Budge, Riley Budge, and Abigail Kennedy. She is also survived by her brother Robert Higgins (Roberta) of Florida as well as extended family to include cousins, nieces, nephews, dear friends, and her granddog Murphy Budge. Carolann is predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Anna (Tatar) Higgins of Torrington, CT, sisters, Kathleen Higgins of Torrington, CT, Elizabeth Marino of Kitty Hawk, NC, Lorraine Easton (Billy) of Marco Island, FL, Maureen Litke (Bob) of Bristol, CT and brother Patrick Higgins (Natalie) of Winsted, CT.
On Christmas Eve in 1999, Carolann married John Pucino of Torrington, CT. They were surrounded by her family and friends. In May of 2003, Carolann took on her most treasured role…becoming a grandmother! In 2008, Carolann and John wrapped up their Connecticut chapter and headed south to Cumming, GA to flourish in their roles as grandparents. They attended every school and sporting event. They also had sleepovers, baked cookies, ate ice cream, played Mexican Train, and never missed an opportunity to make memories with family.

Carolann loved volunteering and serving others. While in Georgia, she was an active member in her neighborhood’s HOA. She was a member of the Social Committee serving for years as the chairperson of the Annual Memorial Day Cookout, the Clubhouse Coordinator, weekly Bunco games, and most recently elected to serve on the Peachtree Court Board of Directors as the Vice President. As a life-long Catholic parishioner, she volunteered countless hours at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church. Carolann enjoyed volunteering at the church’s food pantry as well as the Lenten Fish Fries. She was also the very proud Confirmation Sponsor to her granddaughters, Kylie and Riley. Carolann also worked as a Voting Poll Worker for Forsyth County. She was a people person and looked forward to seeing and talking to everyone that came out to vote. Carolann and John enjoyed vacationing every March on Marco Island, FL. They spent time visiting with family and making new friends, while also enjoying swimming and playing bocce ball.

Carolann’s smile and laughter was infectious. She will be loved and missed by all who knew her.

A Mass in Carolann’s honor will be held at St. Brendan’s Catholic Church, 4633 Shiloh Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 at 12:00 p.m., July, 26, 2025.