Emilia Pettinato, 83, of Williamsport died Sunday Oct. 22, 2023 at UPMC Williamsport.
She was born on May 15, 1940 in Scigliano, Cosenza, Calabria, Italy, a daughter to the late Frank and Guaglianza “Anna” (Leone) Pettinato.
She was named after her beloved paternal grandmother. She came to America with her family in 1956 thru Ellis Island at the age of 16 and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1961.
Her first job was working for her uncle, Baldassare “Baldino” Pettinato, at Victory Lunch. She later worked for Lycoming Braid and Fabrics as a spooler. Emilia was a devout Catholic, being very active at the former Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church for over 40 years, and is now a member of St. Joseph the Worker Parish.
She enjoyed reading her Bible, watching EWTN, cooking traditional Italian food and baking Italian cookies, as well as receiving her family and friends.
She is survived by cousin and godchild Guilio (Mary) Tomei; cousins Dawn (Jose) Gonzalez, Michael (Tracy) Tomei and their daughter Hazel; as well as, cousins Elsa (Dick) Sunderlin and family; and several cousins in Italy, in addition she is survived by close friend and caregiver Dawn Brooks and many longtime friends.
In addition to her parents, Emilia was preceded in death by her infant brother, Anthony who died before her birth.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Thursday Oct. 26, 2023 at St. Joseph the Worker Parish, 702 West 4th St., Williamsport PA 17701 with Rev. David W. Bechtel officiating.
The family will receive friends and family in the church portico one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Joseph the Worker Parish.
Crouse Funeral Home & Cremation Services has been entrusted with handling final arrangements. To share a memory or sign an online register book, please visit http://www.crousefuneralhome.com.