Antonietta Scillieri, 86 passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, April 26, 2020. Her story began in 1933, in Ragusa Sicily. She and her family later migrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina where she met the love of her life Joseph Scillieri. Kindred spirits, they spent the next 65 years holding hands, and sharing a once in a lifetime kind of love that we all aspire to have. They were inseparable. In the 1960’s she and Joseph moved to the United States, to Paterson NJ with their two beloved children, Tony and Norma Scillieri. She worked as a seamstress in a coat factory. Antonietta cultivated friendships in Paterson that would follow her to South Jersey where she would spent the remainder of her life.
Antonietta was a woman of extraordinary character. Selfless in every way, compassionate, and loved unconditionally- with every corner of her heart. Ready to take the shirt off her back to lend a helping hand, she inspired everyone around her. She was quick witted, always with a joke up her sleeve and a larger than life personality. She had big ideas, and was a storyteller with the best delivery.
Unapologetically, she would often burst into song, singing some of her favorite Italian melodies, and always encouraged a sing-along.
She was the epitome of strength and resilience; and never let her health issues hold her back from trips to the casino with her husband and dearest friends.
Antonietta loved Ricotta pies, baking, and was very artistic. She crocheted baby clothes, hats and scarves. She designed dresses, wrote poetry and short stories. She had also earned the title of being a master picture-clipping collage maker. If you couldn't make it to the party, she would be sure your picture presence was in full attendance- by cutting you out of an old photo and pasting it onto another; making sure you never missed out. A real modern day Italian Lucille Ball.
Antonietta loved her family, they were the center of her world. A dedicated wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. The best grandmother anyone could dream of. Always ready to move mountains just to bring a smile to your face. Antonietta took twenty minutes to say goodbye at the end of every phone call. She encouraged us to be ourselves, the importance of family and friendship, and to always reach for the stars.
Our darling pupa bella, while losing her will forever leave a hole in our hearts, we know that in every melody we’ll hear her song. In every joke we’ll see her smile, and in every picture we’ll copy and paste her face! May her mind be free, her wings soar high, and light forever shine. Rest in peace our precious angel, oh how you were truly one of a kind!
Antonietta is predeceased by her mother Giorgia Tumino-Legno, her father Salvatore Legno, her brother Manuel Legno, her nephew Sergio Mandara, and her son Antonio Scillieri who welcomed her home.
She is survived by her husband Joseph Scillieri, daughter Norma Scillieri, sister Maria Zain, brother Gaudenzio Legno, daughter-in-law Angela Scillieri, neices and nephew, Salvina Mandara, Gladys DeLuca, and Michael Zain. God-daughter Claudia LoPresti, and her 5 grandchildren- Jamie Scillieri, Jessica Scillieri, Anthony Scillieri, Joseph Scillieri, and Michelle McMullen.
A celebration of Antonietta’s life will be held at a later date.
"ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS"
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