Domenica (Franca) Della Gatta (Russo) of Malden, formerly of Cardito, Naples, Italy passed away peacefully on November 26, 2022. She was 82 years old.
Domenica, “Mom”, “Nonna”, will be remembered for her selfless, loving spirit and love for her family and friends. She was devoted to her husband of 61 years, Joseph Della Gatta and they shared a beautiful life together. Her life truly revolved around her family.
In addition to her loving husband, Domenica is also survived by her daughter, Giulia Della Gatta Moffitt of Andover, her children Jack and Joseph; her daughter, Sandy Della Gatta Reyes of Malden and her husband Juan Reyes and their children, Francesca, Nina and Johnny; and her daughter Luisa Della Gatta of Malden; and her son-in-law Edward Moffitt.
Domenica is also survived by 9 brothers and sisters in Italy…. the late Peppino Russo (Anna & Marisina), Rosetta Russo (Vincenzo), Margherita Russo (Gennaro), AnnaMaria Russo (the late Pasquale), Gerarda Russo (Vincenzo), Gennaro Russo (the late Antonietta), Carlo Russo (Pina), Giovanni Russo (Nunzia) and Rosario Russo (Paolo). She was predeceased by her parents Vincenzo Russo and Santina (Arnone) Russo.
Domenica was the sister-in-law of the late Dolly Lania (Frank); Phyllis Cappuccio (Aldo); the late Louie Della Gatta (Maureen); the late Thomas Della Gatta (the late Trudy); Vincent Della Gatta (Linda); Giulia Nazzaro (Paul); Anthony Della Gatta (Pat). She also leaves many, many nieces and nephews both here in the USA and in Italy.
Mom worked for many years at Tufts University in dining services at the Main Campus Center. It was a job she loved and took great pride in. She made sandwiches and dishes for all her “students”. She often told us she had to turn some of the kids away to the other workers because they would ask for her – and the line was too long. Ironically, she did not start working there until after both Giulia and Sandy graduated Tufts. Unfortunately, her heart issues forced her to retire much sooner than she would have wanted. But that gave her the time to devote to the grandkids, walking them to school, cooking and just being there as their loving Nonna.
Visiting hours will be held from the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, 865 Main Street, Malden on Friday, December 2nd from 9:00am-11:30am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St. Joseph’s Parish, 790 Salem Street, Malden at 12pm. Interment will be in Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.