Julia Italiano 1924-2021

Julia will always be remembered as a strong, loyal and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to so many.

She was born Sept. 13, 1924, in Youngstown, the daughter of John and Julia Masco Mislai and was a lifelong area resident.

In 1943, Julia graduated from East High School in Youngstown. She was employed at General Electric on Market Street after graduation.

Julia married the love of her life, Dominic P. Italiano Sr., after he returned from World War II. Her wedding dress was fashioned from a silk parachute that Dominic brought back from the war. They were married on June 14, 1947, and celebrated 61 years of marriage until Dominic’s passing May 21, 2009. Together they raised a wonderful family in the Smoky Hollow neighborhood in Youngstown. Between 1959 and 1963, they owned and operated the Dairy Queen on Mahoning Avenue.

Julia was a homemaker and the matriarch of her family. In 1984, she retired from Kmart on U.S. Route 224 in Boardman after 17 years of faithful service.

She was a member of St. Stephen of Hungary Catholic Church. As a young girl, she was involved in the Hungarian Dance Group. After moving to Boardman in 1967, she joined her neighborhood Garden Club, where she met many lifelong friends.

Julia looked forward to all the holidays and annual family picnics at her home. She loved having her family around her, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an exceptional cook and baker. Her family will miss all her fantastic dishes, especially her homemade stuffed cabbage, wedding soup, koliche, butterballs and pizzelles.

Julia had many passions throughout her life. She enjoyed singing Hungarian songs, listening to swing and big band music, and enjoyed Christmas music all year long. Her other pastimes included shopping, lunch and dinner outings, and socializing with family and friends.

Julia leaves behind to hold onto her memories, her children, Dominic Jr. (Helen) Italiano and Cindy Italiano, both of Boardman, and Juliann Italiano Day of Naples, Fla. She will also be missed by her 11 beloved grandchildren, Dominic III (Sarah) Italiano, Kristen Italiano, Katie (Mike) Schorsten, Laura (Ken) Kraft, Jonathan Italiano, David (Yiota) Italiano, Rob (Mandy) Ramunno, Harmony (James) Stanger, Hayley (Bill) Mehalco, Amanda (fiance Dax Andersen) Day and Rick Day. She was also cherished by her 20 great-grandchildren Alexis, Dominic IV, Giavonna, Antonia, Rocco, Massimo, Michael, Nicholas, Zachary, Anthony, Rosemarie, Alivia, Kenny, Alania, Juliana, Allie, Lee, Hudson, Zion and Kai. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Jean Mislai; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, Julia was preceded in death by two sisters, Marge Tarcy and Mary Sadinski; a brother, John Mislai; and brothers-in-law, Bill Tarcy and Henry Sadinski. Julia also lost a sister, Helen, in infancy.

Family and friends may pay their respects to Julia on Thursday morning, July 1, 2021, from 9 to 10:20 a.m. at Rossi and Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Youngstown.

Directly afterwards, there will be a Mass of Christian burial held at 11 a.m. at Holy Apostles Parish-St. Stephen of Hungary Church, 854 Wilson Ave., Youngstown, with the Rev. Joseph Rudjak as officiant.

Julia’s family would like to express sincere gratitude to Sunrise Assisted Living Center in Poland and Windsor House-Masternick Memorial Health Care Center in New Middletown for all the heartfelt care, dedication, and compassion shown to Julia and her family throughout this difficult time.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to Julia’s family.

(special notice)