Mary E. Crocetti 1933-2025

Mary was born July 9, 1933, in Koppel, Pa., a daughter of the late Benjamin and Adele Bertuccini Morucci. She moved to the Youngstown area as a child and became a lifelong resident of the Mahoning Valley.

A graduate of East High School, Mary began her career at Palazzo’s Restaurant in Youngstown, where her lifelong passion for cooking blossomed. She worked at Palazzo’s for over 20 years before becoming the cook at St. Nicholas Church rectory in Struthers, preparing meals for the priests until her retirement.

Mary was an avid reader and loved visiting Barnes & Noble. Her joy of cooking extended beyond her work, as she delighted in preparing meals for family and friends. Her culinary talents were recognized when she was nominated as “Cook of the Week” by The Youngstown Vindicator for her homemade recipes.

Mary is survived by her two daughters, Diane L. (Gary) Smaldino of Boardman and Karen S. (Michael) Pecchia of Boardman; seven grandchildren, Michael (Tiffany) Pecchia, Kara (Johnny) Pixley, Jenna (Danny) Mayer, John Pecchia, Matthew (Bhavana) Smaldino, Natalie Pecchia and Mark Smaldino; and four great-grandchildren, Armani, Michael, Nico and Giada. She also leaves behind her brother, Ben (Mary) Morucci; and sister, Norma Fink.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 27 years, John P. Crocetti, whom she married April 16, 1955, and who passed away on Oct. 11, 1982; her son, Thomas John Crocetti; her brother, Joe Morucci; her sister, Yola (John) Ciolli; brother-in-law, James Fink; and sisters-in-law, Pauline Crocetti, Lucille Crocetti and Frances (Jack) Esarco.

Family and friends may call 10 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home, 8536 Market St., Boardman. A memorial service will follow at noon Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Fr. Philip Rogers. Interment will take place in Lake Park Cemetery, Youngstown.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Inn at Glenellen and Patriot Hospice for the excellent care Mary received.

To share memories and offer condolences, please visit www.beckerobits.com.

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