Della Josephine Rizzo Delio

Della Josephine Rizzo Delio

Della Josephine (Rizzo) Delio, age 96, of Erie, peacefully passed on to join her family in heaven on April 26, 2018.

Della, the eldest of her siblings and Matriarch of the Rizzo clan, was born August 12, 1921 in Oil City, PA, a daughter of the late Joseph and Calogera (Giglia) Rizzo. Della was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Angelo Delio; two sisters, Carrie (Rizzo) Plaudis and Josephine (Rizzo) Wnuk; and one brother, Carmen Rizzo.

Della is survived by her youngest sister, Angeline (Rizzo) Pilewski of Oil City, PA; her son, David Delio of Erie and his fiancé, Marcia Lillis-Tome; her daughter, AnnaMaria (Delio) Boyle and son-in-law, Noel Boyle, of Millburn, NJ; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Della, a woman who endured much hardship throughout her long life, was regarded as the Matriarch of the descendants of Joseph Rizzo. She was known for a warm, welcoming home and entreaties to eat to anyone who entered through her threshold. Family and visitors alike typically left her home with some treat in hand, such as homemade cookies, her famous lemon loaf, pizzelles, or tasty leftovers.

Della balanced work and family with tireless effort. She also never refused to help a friend in need, whether it was wallpapering their kitchen, putting up curtains, making various homemade pastas, or whatever was needed. Della tackled all tasks she set her mind to do.

In her retirement years Della also kept active with her "club girls" playing cards, she worked at the polls for the local Board of Elections, and enjoyed crocheting and other crafts.

Della was well cared for in her final years by the wonderful staff at the Sarah Reed Senior Living. Her family is grateful for their kind and loving support.

Della was an amazing woman and sorely will be missed by her children, family and friends.

Arrangements are being handled by the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street. Interment after cremation will be with her husband in the mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Della may be made to Emmaus Soup Kitchen, 218 East 11th Street, Erie, PA 16503, or Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network, 425 West 18th Street, Erie, PA 16502.

A memorial service to be held at St. Joseph's Church will be planned for May 26, 2018 with family and friends. A wake will be held thereafter.