Alfonsina "Frances" Pileggi

Alfonsina “Frances” Pileggi nee Codispoti

Frances passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 6, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born on August 2, 1940 in Sant’Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio, Calabria, Italy to the late Bruno and Anna Maria Codispoti. With her family on January 13, 1958, she immigrated to Brooklyn, New York from Italy. During a visit to relatives in Canton, Ohio she met the love of her life, Armen Pileggi who had just returned from the Army. It was love at first sight. They corresponded via phone and letters until Armen traveled with his family to Brooklyn to propose. They were married on July 4, 1959 in a traditional 500 person Italian wedding in Canton where she then since resided.

While Frances worked at the House of Loreto for 19 years, the mission and purpose of her life revolved around being a loving wife, mother, and Nonna. Her life was her family. As a faithful Catholic, she was devoted to the Blessed Mother and gained her strength through that relationship with her. Frances loved to cook, bake, and entertain her family especially on Sundays. She had a great sense of humor, enjoyed continuous learning through reading, was a talented seamstress and an avid bocce player. She loved sharing her Italian heritage and was active in the Stark County Italian American Festival, Sons of Italy, Sant’Andrea Card Club, and the Stark County Ladies’ Bocce League.

Frances leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years, Armen, as well as her loving children and spouses, Joe and Lucia Pileggi, Angela and Michael Howard, and Marie and Hud Rutter. She will always be cherished by her grandchildren, Sofia Pileggi and fiancé Valentino Aloise, Andrew and wife Amber Pileggi, Marina Rutter, Armand Rutter, Enzo Rutter, Alex and wife Brittany Howard, and Olivia Howard. She is survived by sister Caterina Speziale; sister and brother-in-law Celestina and Vincenzo Dominijanni; sisters-in-law Maria Codispoti, Gloria Codispoti, and Carolina Codispoti; brother-in-law Joe L. Pileggi Sr; brothers-in-law and wives, Silvio and Ferna Pileggi and Albert and Kathy Pileggi; and an aunt, nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Bruno and Anna Maria Codispoti, Frances was preceded in death by her in-laws, Joe and Marianna Pileggi; brother and his wife, Nicola and Carmela Codispoti; brothers Giuseppe, Modesto and Ottavio Codispoti; sister and her husband Mariantonia and Benedetto Frustaci; sister-in-law Geraldine Pileggi; brother-in-law Bruno Speziale; nieces and nephews: Bruna Codispoti, Caterina Codispoti, Joe Speziale and Bruno Codispoti.

Frances will be missed by all. She was a wonderful person who will be in our hearts and minds forever.

Visitation with a continuous viewing line will be held at the Rossi Family Funeral Home on Monday, June 13th from 10 to 11 a.m. The family will be present at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist for a Mass of Christian burial at 12 noon. Interment will follow at North Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Canton, Ohio.

ROSSI (330)492-5830

www.rossifuneralhomeinc.com

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