Dalina Angelini
January 5, 2010
Dalina Angelini, 86, of Weirton, WV died early Tuesday morning, January 5, 2010 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dalina was born in New Jersey and was the daughter of the late Attilio and Ida Torquato De Benedictis.
At the age of four Dalina and her family moved to Mosciano Sant Angelo, Italy. This was the birthplace of her parents and grandparents. Dalina attended school in Mosciano. There she was chosen to be the Veronica in the town passion play. At the age of twelve, Dalina was accepted into the Convento School of Mosciano. It was there she was apprenticed and learned to sew. She became a master tailor and seamstress creating her own patterns (no McCall’s patterns) and making clothing for both men and women.
On April 10, 1943, she married Joseph Angelini, who was a master carpenter and furniture maker. They had two sons Pietro and Walter Angelini.
In 1952 Dalina and Joseph opened a small bookstore near the school and the Piazza in Mosciano. The store sold books, text books, school supplies, religious articles, toys and candy. After two years, the Angelinis sold the bookstore and with the proceeds from the sale purchased four passage tickets for the United States. The family left Italy from Naples on the Ocean Liner Vulcania, and arrived in the United States in June 1954. They settled with their boys in Weirton, West Virginia.
Dalina continued working as a seamstress in her own small business and later at the Friendly Cleaners doing alterations. Joseph continued his carpentry with the local construction companies of Pete Santoro and later with Tony P. Sellitti.
Dalina was an excellent homemaker and she took great pride in keeping a clean house. She led her family in song, singing folk songs of Abruzzo, Italy. Her son, Walter, played the accordion, Pete and Joseph played the guitar. She was also a great cook who made homemade ravioli and spaghetti every weekend. Dalina was also known for her lasagna, wedding soup, cannoli, timballo, caggionetti, and taralli. Her homemade bread, rolls, and spianata were legendary in Weirton. It is rumored that her culinary treats closed down two local bakeries!
She was a member of the Saint Joseph the Worker Parish in Weirton. She was also a member of the Christian Mothers, the Holy Name Society, the Three Score Social Club and the Sons of Italy Lodge.
Dalina was a frequent visitor to Oak Ridge, Tennessee where she visited her son Pete and family. During the past year or so she had been on an extended visit with her son Walter and his family in Fountain Hills, Arizona.
Dalina was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Joseph Angelini; a sister, Antonina Puliti and her husband Loreto Puliti of New Jersey; and, her brother Luciano De Benedictis of Italy.
Dalina is survived by her sons Pete Angelini and his wife Suzanne of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Walter Angelini and his wife Sheila of Fountain Hills Arizona. Dalina is also survived by her sister Ilde Rossi of Italy along with many nieces and nephews and as well as great nieces and great nephews, residing in the United States and Italy.
Dalina is a NONNA to five grandchildren: Dominic Angelini (married to Sara Wright), of the San Francisco Bay area in California; Bridget (married to James Akin) of Gilbert, Arizona; Bibiana Angelini in heaven; Isabella Angelini (married to Derek Stewart) of Ithaca New York; and Joseph Angelini of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Dalina is also a Bisnonna (a great grandmother) to four great grandchildren: Ariella and Dario Stewart of Ithaca, New York, and Sophia and Viggo Luciano Angelini of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. There is another great grandson on the way, expected in May of this year in Gilbert, Arizona.
Friends will be received Sunday 1-3 and 6-8PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton.
Dalina’s sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren who have learned the songs and recipes of Abruzzo, will share their memories of Dalina at the Celebration of Life Mass 10AM Monday at the St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church. The Reverend Father Dean Borgmeyer will officiate.
Entombment will follow in St. Paul Cemetery, Weirton.
Memorial contribution may be made to St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 229 California Avenue, Weirton, WV 26062.
to walter and family i send my sympathy and condolences in the passing of your mother. i will keep u and your family in my prayers.
Peter, Walter and family, Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Our prayers are with all of you. Madonna 1963
dear dominic,bridget. I would like to send my condolences to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Dear Angelinis, Stewarts and Angelinis, Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you. What a wonderful family Dolly created! We wish we could be there with you to share in Dolly’s Celebration Of Life. Her obituary is beautiful and Terra has fond memories of visiting her in Weirton West Virginia at her house.She would not let us be hungry for a moment. What a very special woman. Take care all of you and carry on her wonderful traditions. With Love, Don, Terra, Haley, Sierra, Savannah and Starr.<3
Pete, Walt, et.al. Dalina truly is a Doll; We will love her forever.
Bridget, Dominic, and Mr. & Mrs. Angelini, I am so sorry for your loss. Sorry I will be unable to make the services. I have so many great memories of hanging out at Nonna’s house. You will all be in my thoughts.
Dear Pete, Susanne, Isabella and Joseph, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. As I read Dolly’s obituary, I was struck by the love and tenderness with which it was written. Dolly was so dear and her warmth and love lives on in her family. That is how her presence continues in the world. Love, Dan, Barbara, Tolsun, Andi and Michael
Mr. Angelini and Family, I’m so very sorry for your loss and want to thank you for the card when I lost my father last August. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time. Linda Pratt
Walter Dolores and I espress our deepest sympathy at the passing of your mother. She was a wonderful woman and we willall miss her Anthony Larosa
Dear Pete, Sue, and Family, Our hearts go out to you. We really enjoyed Dalina over the years and will miss her. She was so kind to Helen. I know she is in a better place and enjoying those who have gone before. We love you, Doris and Phil p.s I’m sorry I couldn’t get over to Weirton, but I really needed to spend time with Sharon. She is not doing well. We’ll see you soon. DJ
Walter & Pete and family: Our Prayers are with you and your families.
Walt and Pete, we were truly sadened to hear about the passing of your mom. Mark forward the announcment to me and a thousand memories came washing over me.You know its been so long since I’ve seen your mom, but I’m grateful we had the opportinity when working on my dads estate. I can litterally close my eyes and see your dad and mom as if I just saw them yesterday. They were special people. You both are in our thoughts and prayers.
Walter and The Entire Angelini Family, You have my deepest condolences on the passing of your wonderful mother. I’m sorry I didn’t have the chance to visit with all of you. Your family will be in my prayers.