Maria Teresa Raniero Sassano, 86, formerly of Williamsport, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 3, 2025, at UPMC Muncy. Born in San Giovanni in Galdo, Italy, on November 13, 1938, she was the daughter of Armando and Giuseppina Raniero.
A devout member of the former Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church and St. Boniface Catholic Church, Maria’s faith was central to her life.
In 1972, Maria immigrated to the United States with her beloved husband, Giovanni, and their three children. Prior to her arrival in the U.S., she had worked in Italy and Germany. In the U.S., Maria found work as a seamstress, dedicating herself to her craft and her employers until her retirement in 2001. She was known for her remarkable work ethic and unwavering commitment.
Maria had a deep love for her family, and her home was always a place of warmth and hospitality. She found joy in cooking, gardening, and sewing, and was particularly famous for her traditional “Pasta Sunday’s” making pasta with her signature sauce, meatballs, and braciole. These Sunday gatherings were a cherished time for her family and guests.
Maria was predeceased by her husband of 39 years, Giovanni Sassano; her parents; and her two sisters and brother. She will be forever cherished by her five children: Carmine Sassano of Avis, Joseph (Jennifer) Sassano of Camp Hill, Marianna (Kenneth) Danielsen of Hughesville, Armando Sassano of Muncy, and Giovanni (John) (Cassie) Sassano of Lakeland, FL. Maria is also lovingly remembered by her 12 grandchildren: Natashya (Robert) Boyd, Angelina Sassano, Evan (Unique) Fromille, Erika (Bailey) Wilk, Tyler Sassano, Brent (Samantha) Maurer, Marianna (Dillon) Sassano, Jocelyn Sassano, Natalie Sassano, Connor Sassano, Casey and Jacob Danielsen; and 6 great-grandchildren: Harley and Enzo Fromille, Luca Alexander Bertsch, Alaina and Selena Best, and Lainey Wilk. She is survived by her sister, Antonella (Antonio) Simonelli, three sister in-laws Micheline, Carmelina and Antonella Sassano along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 PM on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 326 Washington Blvd., Williamsport, with Father Glenn McCreary officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM at the church prior to the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to UPMC’s Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center in Williamsport. For more information or to donate, please call (570) 320-7460 or visit SusquehannaHealthFoundation.org/Donate.
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.
