Melina Violi

Melina Violi, age 84, a long time resident of Ambridge, currently of Kennedy Twp., passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 12, 2018 in UPMC Shadyside. Melina was born December 23, 1933 in Plati,  provincia de Reggio Calabria Italy to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Barbaro Crea. She emmigrated to the United States at the age of 17. She was a longtime member of Good Samaritan Catholic Church, Ambridge where she wad a member of the Christian Mothers Ladies Guild, and was a current member of St. Malachi Catholic Church in Kennedy Twp. Her cooking was legendary and she was happiest in her kitchen. The highlights of her day were recieving daily phone calls from her grandchildren. She never failed to load them up with massive care packages each time they came by to visit her. She was also a talented seamstress. In addition to sewing for her family, she was responsible for the perfect fitting wedding gowns for countless brides during the years she worked at Helene's Bridal Shop in Ambridge. Preceding her in death in addition to her parents were her husband, Joseph Violi on May 5, 2013 and a sister, Concetta Barbaro. She is survived by two daughters, Gloria (Dr. A.C.) Lardieri of Robinson Twp. and Lisa (Dr. Gerald) Ross of Sewickley, a son,  Richard (Anne) Violi of Upper St. Clair, ten grandchildren, Adam, Erica, Alec and Simone Lardieri, Casey, Caroline, and Luke Ross, Emily, Sarah, and Joey Violi, and a sister, Angela Crea in Italy.
Friends will be received Saturday from 6-8 PM and Sunday from 1-5 PM in the John Syka Funeral Home, Inc. 833 Kennedy Drive, Ambridge where prayers will be offered Monday at 11:00 AM followed  by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM in Good Samaritan Catholic Church. Members of the Christian Mothers Ladies Guild of Good Samaritan Parish will pray the rosary on Sunday at 3:00 PM in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Economy Cemetery. The family would to thank the physicians, nurses and staff of the CTICU at UPMC Shadyside for the excellent care that she received while a patient there.

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