Raffaela’s Obituary With sadness we announce the passing of Raffaela Bello who has made the final journey to her new life on May 7, 2019. Raffaela is survived by her son Frank Bello (Josephine Roberto) and her daughter Eugenia Maiorino (Hank Maiorino), her grandchildren Sarah Maiorino, John Maiorino (Clare Sammon), Zachary Bello and Ethan Dante Bello (Jennie Harrigan) and her cherished great grandchildren Fiona and Lee Maiorino. Raffaela was born in Rotondi, a small town in the region of Campagnia, Italy. While she only attended formal school through the third grade, she continued her studies with La Maiestra who taught her how to sew. She enjoyed creating fine garments using the best fabrics that she could afford for herself and her family. She also enjoyed cooking for family and friends and tending her garden. Raffaela met and married Joseph Bello after the war. They lived for a short time in Cervinara which is next to Rotondi. Raffaela came to America on several trips to visit her father who had lived here for most of her life. Despite her husband’s protests, she was determined to raise her family in America. Eventually he agreed and they moved here shortly before she gave birth to her son Frank. Her husband came to love this land with the same fervor that Raffaela had. For many years she could not get her citizenship papers. Nevertheless, she always made sure to call her children and let them know who to vote for. Finally, in April 2001, she became an American Citizen at the age of 78 even though she had always been American in her heart. Besides love of this country, she always held on to the traditions and deep rooted faith of her heritage. Raffaela worked hard to ensure that her family would have a home and a good life in this land of promise. Like so many immigrants she endured hardships yet she struggled to survive the many challenges she faced. She understood what it meant to work hard. Her home attendant spoke only Spanish yet, she insisted on keeping her even though communication was challenging. She had said, “She’ll learn English. It is the same for her as it was for me. She works very hard. I want her to stay’” They managed to communicate and become bosom buddies. She will be remembered for her determined strength, tenacity and her love for her family which she communicated in the only way she knew how – with determined vigor and vitality. She will be missed. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Raffaela Bello November 16 1922 May 07 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Far Rockaway, state: New York