Antonietta (Fontanarosa) Russolillo, of Boston's North End, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 23rd. She was 91. Born and raised in Ariano Irpino, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Pasquale and Rubina (Troncone) Fontanarosa.
Antonietta loved to spend time with her family. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and baking, everything was made from scratch and was known to be delicious.
A natural people person, Antonietta had no problem starting conversations with complete strangers. She could make friends anywhere, and had friends everywhere. Her sweet disposition made her easy to love and she was referred to as Ma by everyone who knew her.
When Antonietta was not spending time with her family or friends she enjoyed watching the Spanish soap operas, playing bingo and creating crafts.
Antonietta was the beloved wife of the late Michele Russolillo. She was the devoted mother of Nickey Russolillo, Lella Martignetti and her husband Felix, Pat Russolillo, Tony Russolillo and Julia Wertz and her husband Gerry. She was the loving grandmother of Joseph and his wife Amy, Mikey and his wife Cindy, Felix Jr. and his wife Amber, Gerry Jr., Renée, Alyssa and Rylan, and great-grandmother of Gabrielle, Nicolas, Marc and Jake. Dear sister of Anna Ciccarelli of Italy, and the sister in-law of John Russolillo. She is also survived by many loving family members and friends.
Her funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Wednesday, February 27th at 8:15 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, 12 North Sq., Boston at 9:45 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4 - 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden