Biography

Southbridge: Leona (Rischitelli) Colognesi, 91, of 122 Dennison Hill Rd., passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 16th, surrounded by her family in the Overlook Masonic Health Center, Charlton, after an illness.
Her husband, Quinto J. Colognesi, died in 1979. Her first husband, Oliver R. Doucette, died at the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. She leaves her son Atty. Michael J. Colognesi and his wife, Theresa of Southbridge; her daughter, Barbara L. Wyrebek and her husband, Bruce of Southbridge; a brother, Edward Rischitelli of Wilmington, DE; a sister, Helen Zimmerman and her husband, Earl of Huntington Beach, CA; four grandchildren, Antonia Colognesi of Shelton, CT, Jonathan Colognesi of Boston and Jacqueline Colognesi of Southbridge. She was predeceased by two brothers, John E. Rischitelli and Harry P. Rischitelli and a sister, Antonia Malagrida. She was born in Southbridge, the daughter of Giovanni and Nicoletta (Rischitelli)* Rischitelli. She was a 1934 graduate of Mary E. Wells High School in Southbridge.
Leona worked at the American Optical Co. in Southbridge for many years before retiring in 1980. She was a member of St. Mary's Church and its St. Rita's Society. She enjoyed playing the card game pitch and was a fan of the Red Sox. She was an avid Bowler, winning championships in the 1930s. Most importantly to Leona her grandchildren were her life.
Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 21, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 10:00am in St. Mary's Church, 263 Hamilton St., Southbridge. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Monday, Aug. 20th, from 5:00 to 8:00pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Overlook Hospice, 88 Masonic Home Rd., Charlton, MA 01507.

Mass

Tuesday August 21, 2007, 10:00am at St. Mary's Church
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Calling Hours

Monday August 20, 2007, 5:00 - 8:00pm at Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home
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