Antonietta Italia Carlucci, a longtime resident of Franklin, died on Monday, December 6, 2021 after a short illness. She was the beloved wife of Gino D. Carlucci Sr., to whom she was married for 61 years until his passing in 2012.
Antonietta was born and raised in Santa Maria del Molise, a village of about 700 people in southern Italy, on September 21, 1931. She immigrated to Franklin at the age of 17. Among her favorite memories from Santa Maria are the annual festival held there on May 8 (which was the only time she ever got to have ice cream!). She had memories of seeing the plume of Mount Vesuvius when it last erupted in 1944, and of German soldiers coming through the town during World War II.
She spent most of her career as a seamstress, at various times making hats, drapes and other window treatments. Her last job was making mesh fashion products for Whiting and Davis in Plainville. She also started and operated her own business selling wigs for several years.
Antonietta was an extraordinary cook, especially of Italian food. Her sauce and meatballs were admired by all and her children and grandchildren continue to strive (unsuccessfully) to replicate her recipe. She enjoyed crafts at various times including ceramics and cake decorating (for which her young children encouraged her to practice often!).
The highlight of her life in recent years has been to spend time with her six great grandchildren. Their visit during her illness was the only time she managed to smile. Discovering and reconnecting with her sister in Italy in 2000 was highly valued by her. She also loved spending time at Cape Cod
She was an active member of the Quattro Eroi Lodge of Sons and Daughters of Italy. She was an excellent bowler and bocce player in Lodge leagues and tournaments. She volunteered at the St. Rocco Festival during its 40-year run, and in the SDOI booth at the Fourth of July celebration on the Town Common.
In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her dear daughter Kathy Amendola. She is survived by her loving children Gino D. Carlucci, Jr. (Pandora) and MaryAnn Carlucci Hagan of Franklin; her grandchildren Eric Baril (Shann) of Pembroke, Michael Carlucci (Laine) of Roslindale, Melissa Briggs (Mike) of Franklin, Nathan Carlucci of Hyde Park, Alison Ciccariello (Matt) of Franklin, and Pete Amendola of Malden; her great grandchildren, Andrew and Alexander Baril; Dominic, John and Jackson Ciccariello, and Redmond Briggs; her sister Michelina of Naples, Italy; son-in-law Peter Amendola, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours Saturday December 11th, in the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. from 9-10:30AM.
Her funeral Mass will follow in St. Mary's Church, Franklin at 11AM.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to the Franklin Food Pantry 43 West Central St. Franklin, MA 02038
Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com