Anna Maria (DiPirro) DelTorto, age 94, of Medford and East Falmouth, MA, passed away peacefully on February 20th, surrounded by her loving family.
She was a beloved resident of Medford, living in the home she moved into as a young bride some 66 years ago. She and her husband, the late Major General Nicholas J. DelTorto, raised their 5 children there.
Born in Cambridge, MA, Anna was the youngest and only daughter of Nicola and Maria Carmine (Pasciuto) DiPirro. She is predeceased by her 5 brothers, Nicholas, Peter, Anthony, Angelo and Charles.
A 1939 graduate of Somerville High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Emmanuel College, Boston in 1943. For several years, she worked in the heart research laboratories affiliated with Massachusetts General Hospital.
In 1950, she married her high school classmate, Nicholas J. DelTorto. They celebrated a full and loving marriage, full of laughter and great times, while raising their five children.
For Anna, being a housewife and mother was the best of careers. Later, her children gave her the job title 'domestic engineer' as she masterfully managed all aspects of the home. She valued family life, and dedicated herself to giving her children a solid and loving foundation. Anna was an amazing cook, and made sure that the family gathered around the table each night for dinner, to share the day's events. She modeled what it means to be fully invested in one another's lives.
She was the mother who baked for every school bake sale, and for church fundraising events. She ensured that her children experience every opportunity for personal enrichment...driving them to music lessons, dance, sports, visiting all that Boston's museums had to offer, the opera, ballet, summers on Cape Cod, and travel to explore other cultures. She was passionate about embracing all that the world has to offer, and to push yourself to achieve your full potential.
Both Anna and her husband, Nicholas, valued education. She attended college in an era when many women did not. A proud, first generation American, she ensured that all of her children, the boys and the girls, have that opportunity to attend college as well.
Even through the busiest of times while raising her children, and being a military wife, she made time for philanthropic interests and volunteerism. She was an active member of Our Lady's Sodality at St. Joseph's Church, where her late husband also served as an ordained Deacon. She was a member of the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Medford Catholic Women's Club. Her love of art and architecture led her to volunteer as a Docent with the Doric Dames Society, giving tours of the Boston State House.
Anna had a variety of interests and talents. She played tennis, water skied, snow skied, and was a great swimmer. In retirement, she and her husband Nicholas took piano and art lessons together, while further exploring the beautiful world God gave us.
A lifelong, devout Catholic, Anna always remained close to her church and to her God. In later years, when she was unable to get out as much, she faithfully participated in daily TV Mass and the Rosary. She knew the importance of nurturing a strong faith, and in placing your trust in God. He will see you through everything that happens during your life's journey.
Another piece of Anna's wisdom that always brings a smile and a chuckle, is her belief that everything is better with good food. Whatever is happening in your life, the good and the bad, just eat something! You'll feel better. Good advice from a wonderful cook who fed the minds, bodies and souls of her children.
She is survived by her five children:
Three daughters, Christina (and husband Dr. Paul Murphy) of Carlisle, MA, Juanita Waldrip of Medford, MA, Patricia (and husband David) Putnam of Kennebunk, Maine; and two sons, Nicholas (and wife Joanne) DelTorto of Pewaukee, WI, and Thomas (and wife Geraldine) DelTorto of Rotondo West, FL.
Anna was also blessed to have 11 grandchildren, welcoming some of them into the world directly from the delivery room. Matthew, Benjamin and Andrew Waldrip; Dylan and Christian Putnam; Nicholas III, Dianna and Max DelTorto; Phillip and Samson DelTorto and Jamie Smith.
Anna Maria (DiPirro) DelTorto firmly believed that in the end, all that truly matters is having faith, hope and love. She had all of that, and passed the legacy on. She gave us each other to love through life.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main Street, Medford, on Saturday, February 27th at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Friday from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, in Medford. Contributions in Anna's name may be sent to CatholicTV, P.O. Box 9196, 34 Chestnut Street Watertown, MA 02471.