Alfonsina (Garofalo) Petrillo, of Dedham, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023 with her loving family by her side. She is the beloved wife of Guido Petrillo, with whom she shared 59 beautiful and loving years.
Alfonsina is the cherished mother of Maria Luisa Aufiero and her husband Mario, and Nadia Russo and her husband Sandro.
To her great joy, she is the adored “Nonna” of Miranda Aufiero Smith, Valentina Russo, Massimo Aufiero, and Mario Russo. She was recently blessed with the honor of becoming the great-grandmother of Leo Smith.
Born on May 1, 1943, in Montemiletto, Italy, Alfonsina is the loving daughter of the late Guerino and Elvira (Luongo) Garofalo. She is the dear sister of Elena Todesco and her husband Charles, and Alessandro Garofalo and his wife Lucia. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
Alfonsina immigrated to America in 1972 with almost nothing, in search of a better life for her family. Using the skills she acquired as a young girl from the nuns in Montemiletto, she began her career working as a seamstress in a factory in the North End. She perfected her craft, worked her way up to doing alterations in retail stores, and eventually flourished in her own business tailoring bridal gowns from her home.
“Alfie” was a warm, kind, and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend who will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She had a passion for sewing, cooking, baking, holiday traditions, and most of all, being surrounded by her family and friends in her warm and inviting home. Her favorite times were when everyone was together enjoying each other's company and one of her amazing meals.
Visitation at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 456 High St. Dedham on Friday, November 3, from 8am-10am followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating Alfonsina's Eternal Life in St. Mary’s Church, 420 High St, Dedham at 10:30am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memory of Alfonsina to Salem Hospital Epstein 3, 81 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970.