Tomorrow is already one week that MOM has passed. I am including her Mass Tribute for anyone interested in her life story and legacy: Lucrezia, otherwise known as Pat, was born in the heart of Little Italy at 117 Mott Street, NYC, on May 28, 1924. Born to Julia and Gregorio Garofalo, she was the second of 5 siblings, Louise, Mary, Julia and her youngest brother, Joseph. Until the age of five, Lucrezia was raised by the Windecker Family as she was born prematurely, required special care for survival and her parents were immersed in building a successful and renowned family business, Puglia Restaurant. Lucrezia married the love of her life, Frank, in 1948 and they shared a wonderful life together in their Bronx neighborhood home at 1944 Paulding Avenue. They raised three terrific children, Marie, Frank and Joseph and leave behind a great legacy in the family they created. Lucrezia devoted herself to her family and gave unconditional love and support to ensure the best for anyone who entered her circle of life. Sadly, Lucrezia’s middle son, Frank V Milillo passed away on May 23rd 2012. She is survived by her daughter, Marie J, Frank’s wife Lucille and grandchildren Frank, Lauren and Louis; her son Joseph; granddaughter Patrice, married to Jason Farney with great-grand daughter Jordyn Elizabeth and her newest great-grandson Alexander Jason, born on 4/16/13; and her sisters, Mary Mancuso, and Julia Schiemer; and sister-in-law, Grace Garofalo. Lucrezia was a kind-hearted, compassionate and caring woman who loved her friends and family above all else. She inherited her love of food, cooking and hospitality from her mom and dad and was famous amongst family and friends for her delicious Italian cooking. She so enjoyed whipping up “a little something to eat” on the drop of a dime and never viewed cooking as a chore. Meals were always served with warm and welcoming hospitality and always some wine or her favorite Coors Light Beer. She also loved those NY Lottery scratch-offs. While her financial winnings were never substantial, in our opinion, she was a BIG WINNER whose long and fulfilling life leaves each of us a litter richer for having shared her life’s journey. At 89 years young, Lucrezia’s family believes this sentiment captures what she would want us to embrace: “Grieve not for me. Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how truly I was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life and know that I miss you all dearly. Keep your chin up, until the day comes when we’re together again!” Our family wishes to express gratitude and appreciation to all who have been a part of Lucrezia’s memorable life journey.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 03:03:50 +0000
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