Obituary for Frances Polidoro (Catalano) Frances (Catalano) Polidoro, 90, a long-time resident of Pittsfield, died Thursday, October 11, 2018 in Conventry, Rhode Island, where she and her husband, Paul, resided with their daughter, Elizabeth Mark Polidoro. Born on June 19, 1928, in Frankfort, New York, she was the daughter of the late Michele Catalano (Catlin) formerly of Palermo, Italy and the late Rosaria (Rose) Dunadee (Donnadio) formerly of Utica, New York. Frances graduated high school in Utica, and while attending nursing school at Saint Luke’s in Pittsfield, she met on a blind date her soul-mate, life-long companion and best friend, Paul W. Polidoro, Jr
They were married on October 23, 1948 in Mount Carmel Church. For family and friends, their love, mutual respect, and humor was inspirational. Frances will long be remembered for her sharp wit, slightly off-color jokes, and her incredible warmth and generosity.
Throughout the years, Frances gave far more than she ever received, teaching family and friends life lessons by example in what it means to be a loving, caring and responsible person. She also passed along her love of Italian cuisine and the art of preparing a perfectly balanced spaghetti sauce! Her children and grandchildren have many fond memories of Sunday and Holiday pasta dinners with the extended family.
In addition to her husband of 70 years, Frances is survived by three children, Gail (John) Hover of Winter Haven, Florida, Bill (Evelyn) Polidoro of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Elizabeth Polidoro of Conventry, Rhode Island; two siblings, Dolores (John) Colwell of Pittsfield, and Carl (Vicki) Catlin of Texas; six grandchildren, to whom she was lovingly known as “Nonny,” Vanessa (Warren) Kalina, Jared (Victoria) Polidoro, Jennifer (Mike Rawaan) Polidoro, Laura (Eric) Tobin, Lisa (Joe) Curley, and Angela (Devin Whitney) Polidoro; and thirteen great-grandchildren, Sebastian and Donovan Kalina, Pippa and Evie Tobin, Julius and Paul Rawaan, Frances Whitney, Emily, Megan and Erin Curley, and Aiden, Ava and Juliana Polidoro. Frances, or “Aunt Chicky,” also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews and in-laws. Frances was preceded in death by six sisters, and two brothers; in-laws, and a special second son, her cherished son-in-law Mark Pratt (husband to Elizabeth).
A celebration of her life will be held on October 28, between 2-4 at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St. Pittsfield. In lieu of flowers please support your favorite charity. To send flowers to the family of Frances Polidoro (Catalano), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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