“Together Again”
YOUNGSTOWN – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, Youngstown, with Father Edward Noga officiating, preceded by a 10:45 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, for Mela Esposito, 98, who passed away Monday evening, Feb. 18, 2013, with her loving family by her side.
Mela was born May 29, 1914, in Youngstown, the daughter of Frank and Anna (Colla) Bologna, and was a lifelong area resident.
She was employed with Strouss Department Store for many years in central wrapping, along with being a homemaker.
She was a member of St. Patrick Church, the Latin Cultural Foundation, ITAM Post No. 3, and the Royal Seniors Club.
Mela was a ray of sunshine, with impeccable sense of style. She enjoyed tole painting, gardening, dancing, watching her “stories” and vacationing in Camp Perry, Ohio. She loved God and her family deeply, and cherished every single moment she had with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her wonderful cooking and baking, especially her famous Italian dessert, “Cassata,” which she was known for.
Her husband, Frank V. Esposito Sr., whom she married Sept. 7, 1937, died March 4, 1994.
She leaves behind to hold on to her precious memories, her children, Frank Jr. (JoAnn) Esposito, Melanie Cox, and Anita (Jerry Sweed) Bogan, all of Boardman; eight grandchildren, Andrea (David) Crago of Westerville, Tori Pike of Stow, Regina (Richard) Miller of Marysville, Christina Smith of Hilliard, Dr. John C. Jr. (Leigh) Cox of Canfield, Heather Anne (Chris Koch) Cox of Los Angeles, Casey (Tim) Cox-Moore of Boardman, and Timothy (Lisa) Bogan of Sacramento, Calif.; 20 great-grandchildren, Andrew, Darien, Olivia, Brendan, Noelle, Alexandra, Bailey, Samuel, Jordan, Garrett, Johnny, Daniel, Jake, Mimi, Meseret, Hollis, Liam, Evelyn, Timothy Jr. and Gianna; and three sisters, twin Nancy Culotta of Angola, New York, Jayne “Muffie” Michaels of Parma, and Yolanda Labate of Boardman.
Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Frank and Nicholas (Bologna) Bollen; two sisters, Tea Guerra and Ange Billet; and her son-in-law, John C. Cox.
Friends may call on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.
Burial will take place at Lake Park Cemetery, Youngstown.
Mela’s family would like to say thank you to Briarfield Manor and all their staff for all the kindness and love they have shown along with a very special thank you to her good friend and roommate, Mary Pal.
In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made in Mela’s name to St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507.
Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences to the Esposito family.
“Dear Anita, Melanie, Frank and all the family members. Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was a sweet lady and will always be remembered for her smile. I am living in NC now so won't be able to attend the funeral but know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. In Christian Love, Judy Bogan”
» Judy Bogan on February 22, 2013
“Rest in peace Mela. Be with the ones you love in heaven now. You were always sweet and kind. Love you!”
» Kris & Noelle on February 21, 2013
