LIBERTY - Carmela Saulino Pilolli, 88, passed away Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, at the Assumption Village.
Carmela was born Aug. 18, 1924, in Denver to Giacinto and Mary Palozzi Saulino. The family moved to Youngstown in 1929 when she was a young girl. She attended East High School.
She married Michael A. Pilolli at Immaculate Conception Church Nov. 22, 1941. They resided in Smokey Hollow, raising five children, before moving the family to Liberty Township in 1960. She retired from Packard Electric in 1979 after having worked there 25 years.
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Pilolli
Carmela was extremely proud of her Italian heritage. Affectionately known as "Na Na," she was an excellent cook and baker, learning from her mother at a young age. She loved making all the old-world recipes for her family, especially during the holidays. She enjoyed taking bus trips with the church to Italian shrines, listening to Italian music and attending all the Italian dances. She was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, where, for a number of years, she helped bake bread every Monday. She was also a member of the Mothers of the Crucifix Society.
She was an accomplished seamstress, making her children's clothes and drapes for her house. One of her many joys included knitting each of her children and grandchildren a handmade afghan. Another activity she was especially passionate about was ballroom dancing. She took lessons for 20 years and received many accolades and recognition awards. Carmela was always the last person to leave the dance floor at any event. Her other hobbies included crocheting, gardening and playing cards with family members.
Carmela is survived by her five children, Anthony M. (Nora) of Boardman, Patricia (Henry) Pisciuneri of Boardman, Mary Lucia (James) Hendrick of Niles, Michael A. of Berlin Center and Elena Ferradino of Girard; her brother, Raymond (Helen) Saulino of Boardman, who affectionately called her "Babe;" 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Michael, who died in 1998; her parents; two brothers, Antonio and Annio Saulino; and one grandchild, Lynn Pilolli Osterholt.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Carmela by Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio 10 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Youngstown. Friends may call from 9 to 10:00 a.m. at the church.
The family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley, the special care unit of Assumption Village, spiritual caregiver Tom, as well as the nurses, social workers and all others who provided excellent care to Carmela. With deep appreciation, the family would also like to thank Carmela's at-home caregivers, Diane, Renee and Debbie.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests any gifts take the form of contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman OH 44512.
Arrangements were handled by Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home.
Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Carmela's family.
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