Concetta Massaro 1933-2024

Connie was born July 12, 1933, in Youngstown, to the late Luigi and Mary Grace Canacci Scarsella.

As a child, Connie, along with her parents and sisters, lived in Fagnano Alto, L’Aquila, Italy, for 12 years to take care of their grandfather and survived the hardships during World War II.

Upon returning to the United States in 1946, she graduated from East High School in Youngstown. Connie then worked in the insurance business.

She became engaged to the love of her life, Mario Massaro, whom she married (after he returned from the United States Army), on April 28,1956, at Sacred Heart Church in Youngstown. They resided in Warren and had five children: Mario Massaro of Brecksville, Phyllis Richards of Canton, Dean Massaro, DC, of Warren, Mary Grace (Mark MD) Sobel of New Jersey and Doreen (Dave) Riser of Michigan.

Connie was a young entrepreneur who established her own pizza and catering business in 1971 at the Austin Village Plaza in Warren and then later in Lordstown opening Massaro’s Pizza and Catering. She served the Lordstown community as a United States Postmaster with a postal substation along her restaurant business for many years. Connie was a building and operator owner in Lordstown.

Connie instilled values of faith, love and strong work ethic into her five children, who worked alongside her throughout her long standing working career. Connie’s passion was making homemade lasagna, pastas, baking biscotti, pizzelles and sugared almonds. She generously and lovingly gave to many and always served family and friends before herself unconditionally. She was lovingly admired as “‘Aunt Connie,” Nonna and Grandma to ALL.

She was a devoted member of St. Pius X Parish in Warren with a faith that was strong and humble. She was a member of the Altar And Rosary Society and was proudly elected president.

She leaves her dear sisters, Theresa (Leon) Kozar of Boardman and Vicki (Felix) Battista of Canfield; sister-in-law, Giulia Massaro (of L’Aquila, Italy); and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews that she always held close to her heart.

Connie was a loving grandmother who cherished every minute spent with her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren teaching them her Italian tradition: Phillip (Steffenie) Richards, Michael Richards, Jay and Grace Sobel, David, Daniel and Deanna Riser, and Lia Massaro; and two great-grandchildren, John and Jace Richards.

Connie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Mario Massaro (57 years), who passed away June 2, 2013; son-in law, John Richards; daughter-in-law, Beth Massaro; grandson, Mark Sobel Jr., her in-laws, Fabio and Filomena Massaro; brothers-in-law, Cesidio “Jesse” and Ugo Massaro; and sisters-in-law, Anna and Minnie Cesta.

Friends and family may pay their respects 1 to 2 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church in Warren, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Christopher Cicero officiating.

Interment will be in All Souls Cemetery.

A special “thank you” to the many caregivers that assisted in the later stages of Connie’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Connie’s name to Blessed Sacrament Church, 3020 Reeves Road NE, Warren, OH 44483.

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

(special notice)