Italia Miraglia Faoro, of San Bruno, California, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9th, at the age of 86. Italia was born on April 28, 1937 in Frascati, Italy, to the late Angelo Miraglia and Caterina Cacciotti. Italia was married to Dewey Faoro for 63 incredible years.Italia’s warmth, zest for life, and role as the life of the party, will be sorely missed by all.
Italia moved from Frascati to Lecco, Italy, the town in which her parents found a safe haven during World War II to raise their ten children. Her independence shone through in her train rides to Milan to learn, and later excel in, sewing custom tuxedos and dresses. In 1956, Italia followed her older sister, Maria, to Fresno, California, where Italia and Dewey Faoro met, wed in 1960, and became lifelong dance partners.
After having their first child, Dennis, Italia and Dewey moved to South San Francisco, California, where they welcomed their second child, and daughter, Caterina. In 1980, Italia and Dewey founded Acme Memorial Inc., executing on their inherent qualities of doing good by others in the business that they ran for 27 years.
In 1981, Italia and Dewey moved to their forever home in San Bruno, California, that all will remember as a gathering place for gnocchi Christmas dinners, crab cioppino dinner parties, lasagna nights, and to their grandchildren, countless sleepovers. Italia was a proud Italian and exceptional cook, a marriage of qualities that made her the ultimate hostess. The common thread of every gathering: heartwarming Italian food, belly-aching laughs, and love shared by all. Even a “quick drop-in” always transitioned into a glass of wine and bite to eat, Italia’s way of ensuring that every get-together ended in a full stomach, fuller heart, and a tin of homemade biscotti.
She stirred up conversations with everyone, everywhere she went. From her favorite restaurants to the beaches of Ixtapa, Mexico that she visited every January, Italia made close friends out of otherwise strangers. Her genuine interest in people and ability to relate to seemingly anyone, made those around her feel as though they had known her for decades.
Despite Italia’s parents and 8 of her 9 siblings preceding her passing, Italia’s gregarious spirit, never-ending jokes, and quick wit never dimmed. She treated each day as an opportunity, especially to remind others, near and far, that she loved them. Her love of socializing was only topped by her love for her family. She was a loving wife, dedicated mother, nurturing Nonna, and a friend to all that knew her. She embodied living life to its fullest - a lesson her family will carry on as her legacy.
Italia is survived by her husband, Dewey; sister, Antonietta Miraglia of Varese, Italy; two children: Dennis (Maryanne) and Caterina (Karl Shallbetter); and three grandchildren: Benjamin (Emily), Madeleine, and Francesca. She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews in Italy and the United States. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making donations to the American Heart Association.
A rosary and funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.