Carmella Dolly Reno

Carmella (Pingatore) Reno, 98, of Worcester passed away peacefully Sunday, January 18, 2015 with her devoted family gathered by her bedside after a brief illness. Carmella was born in Eriton, Pennsylvania , one of 10 children of Italian immigrants, Eugenio and Serafina (Valentine) Pingatore. She grew up in Pennsylvania, moving to Worcester with her family at the age of 16; Carmella settling in a new neighborhood with her family, she quickly felt a part of the Italian community of Worcester. Dolly then met, dated and in 1938 married Frank A Reno. They then began to raise their family; lived and loved happily for the next 72 years before Frank passed away in 2010. Dolly leaves behind the family she that she dedicated her life to; Rosemarie Swindell of Auburn, Francis A. Reno and his wife Donna of Sutton, Paul S. Reno and his wife Patricia of Worcester; Two brothers, James and Samuel Pingatore both of Chicago; eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Her son in law, Harold Swindell, two brothers, Frank and Domenic Pingatore and five sisters, Jessie Roncone, Frances DiMiglio, Rachel Paciello, Mary and Rose Bafaro all pre deceased her. Dolly worked many years; she began as a clerk for the Iandoli Supermarkets in Shrewsbury then accepting a position as a stiticher for the R.J. Toomey Company where she worked many years before retiring. She also worked for her niece at Marie's Direct Mail. Dolly was a founding and active member of Our Lady of Loreto Church. She co-founded its women's guild, and leisure club; volunteered at the annual festival, bingo nights, and bazaars. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and Pope John Council K of C women's auxiliary. Dolly had a group of friends that would weekly gather to play cards, enjoy each other's company and help those in need. She loved to crochet and has made numerous blankets for family and others. Family was very important to Carmella. They would gather weekly as all Italian families at gram's house for Sunday dinners, holidays and special occasions. Nobody that came to her home would ever leave hungry. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. Having them around her are the treasured moments to be remembered. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours, Wednesday January 21st from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held Thursday, January 22nd from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd. where her Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am. Burial next to her husband will follow in St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to the activities fund care of Life Care of Auburn, 14 Masonic Circle Auburn or the Notre Dame Academy Endowment Fund, 425 Salisbury St. Worcester 01609.