WESTFIELD – With sadness in our hearts, Filomena (Rizzolo) Mattia, 8o, passed away on Friday, October 25th, 2024. She was born in Calabritto, Italy on September 16th, 1944 to the late Olindo and Nevicella (DiTrolio) Rizzolo.
Filomena immigrated to the United States in 1969 and dedicated her life to helping those around her and giving back in so many ways. She had a strong, unwavering faith and attended Mass almost daily at St. Mary’s Church in Westfield. She was employed for more than 30 years at Noble Hospital in Westfield and volunteered at numerous organizations throughout Western Mass.
Sadly, she was predeceased by her loving husband of 28 years, Taddeo “Teddy” (1940-1992) and her brother Francesco Rizzolo.
She is survived by her loving children, Gerard Mattia and his wife Kristin of Armonk, NY and Susan and her husband Christopher Mancuso of Fairfield, CT and her four cherished grandchildren – Taddeo, Annabel, Luke and Mia. Filomena “Nonna” had a special bond with her grandchildren and there was nothing she loved more than spending time with them. From countless sleepovers, family gatherings and traditions, sideline cheering, recitals and plays, making cavatelli, learning Italian, pony rides, bookstore and Walmart trips — her love for them was immense and she cherished each and every memory. Filomena “Zi” or “Filly” is also survived by nieces and nephews, cousins, her close extended family, and many, many friends — who she all loved dearly and touched with her kindness.
A Funeral Mass for Filomena will be celebrated on Friday, November 1st at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Bartlett Street, Westfield followed by burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Southampton Road, Westfield. Visiting hours will precede the Mass on Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Donations in Filomena’s name may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett Street, Westfield, MA 01085. Firtionadams.com
