Antonette "Ann" Cinelli (née DiChiara), 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 23, 2024, in Milford, MA. Born on January 14, 1927, in Boston, MA, Ann was truly loved by everyone who knew her.
Family was the centerpiece of Ann's life. She is survived by her devoted sons, Rudy Cinelli and his wife Peggy of Severna Park, MD; Ron Cinelli and his wife Clare of Franklin, MA, with whom she lived for the last 35 years; and Paul Cinelli and his wife Joanne of Lakeville, MA. She was a proud grandmother to Kenny Spinelli, Paula Hecox (Ryan), Rocky Cinelli (Andrea), Annette Trossello (Andy), Tom Cinelli, Sandy Roland (Mark), and Diana Craig (Taylor). Her joy was multiplied by her great-grandchildren, Sarah and Joel Nicholls; Bryce and Chace Cinelli; Gabe and Amara Trossello; Ben Roland; and Ailyn, Bailey, and Cayleb Craig. Ann also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cherished friends and neighbors who became family, including Roy and Kathleen Irvine.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Olga DiChiara; her brothers Bobby and Frank DiChiara; her sisters Gloria Ciulla and Mary Ianachino; her grandson Paul Spinelli; and her beloved husband Jim Cinelli. The family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited in Heaven with her family, especially Jim, who she missed dearly every day.
Born in East Boston, family was most important to Ann and she was happiest at home even at a young age. She was like a second mom to her sisters and took care of her father later in life. After marrying Jim, Ann moved to Dorchester. They lived in a multi-family house with her sisters Gloria and Mary. They raised their families together and there was no shortage of love or laughter. The families would often have parties in the basement, where they would cook together in their “summer kitchen.”
Ann and Jim loved to drive to Wollaston Beach and get fried clams to eat in the car with a six pack of beer. They were always there for their three sons and were blessed to watch them each find and marry the loves of their lives.
She worked from home as a seamstress and later as a cashier at Bradlees. Jim would drive her into work every day. Thursdays and Sundays were Ann’s days off, and Thursday was pasta night at her house. This tradition continued even in her retirement.
Known affectionately as "Grandma" by not just her own grandchildren but also their friends, her great-grandchildren, neighbors, and more, Ann was a loving, supportive, and strong-willed woman. She was an amazing cook. Her specialties were Grandma chicken; Grandma potatoes; and her famous Grandma pasta, sauce, meatballs, and sausages. No family party was complete without her homemade Grandma (Italian!) cookies. She took pride in keeping her home clean, but in her 90s, her step stool was taken away to stop her from dusting the top of the fridge. And when she first started using a walker, she would carry it into the living room so it wouldn't make lines on her new carpet.
She loved to watch game shows, bowling, old movies, and Dancing with The Stars. She'd watch Boston sports teams, but change the station if they were losing. She liked the Red Sox, but hated Craig Kimbrel's stance. She played the number every night, loved scratch tickets, and enjoyed trips to the casino, but hardly ever won. Her family was her joy and she cherished each moment with all of them.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her calling hours at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St., Franklin on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home with burial to follow at St. Mary Cemetery at 175 Beaver Street in Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.