Gena E. Dellaghelfa, 88
ADAMS, Mass. — Gena Eleanor (DiLorenzo) Dellaghelfa, 88, died peacefully on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, in Adams.
Gena was born on July 3, 1928, to Anna (DiNucci) DiLorenzo and Pasquel DiLorenzo in North Adams, Mass. Her brother's name was Albert DiLorenzo. Gena also had three sisters, Mary (DiLorenzo) Chalifoux, and Linda (Walczak) Bissaillon of North Adams, and Philomena (Phil) (DiLorenzo) Smachetti of Adams. Gena was 9 when her mother died. Phil, her beloved sister, helped raise her. The two were very close and Gena considered her sister a very special person. Gena went to Drury High School in North Adams and was proud to be from North Adams. Being from North Adams would always spark conversation and a connection.
After high school she worked at Sprague Electric. Later she moved to Adams (the Zylonite section) to live with her sister Phil and brother-in-law Steve Smachetti. Gena's brother-in-law, Steve Smachetti, introduced her to Elvino (Al) Dellaghelfa. Gena and Al married on November 22, 1947. Gena's children are Cathy Garcia (John), Susan Dellaghelfa, and Alan Dellaghelfa (Elizabeth). Gena worked in the sample cloth department at Waverly in Adams. She was responsible for sending samples all around the world. She loved her job and worked until its closing in 1991.
Gena and Al belonged to W.O.R.M.S. motorcycle club, taking many Harley trips with friends. They made several air trips to Italy with the St. Thomas Church group rekindling relationships with relatives.
She shared memories enthusiastically. Gena loved to socialize, be with people, sew, knit, and always very active. Gena's favorite pastime was shopping. She was generous to all, needy or not. Her quick wit and sense of humor added to her feisty character.
Her number one important priority was her family. Her life was her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and her home.
Funeral notice: The funeral will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at 9 a.m. from the Paciorek Funeral Home, 13 Hoosac St., Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 am. in Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs Church, Adams, celebrated by Rev. Steven Montesanti, Pastor. Burial will follow in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams.
Calling hours are Wednesday, Sept 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org/donate), or to Companions of St. Anthony, 12290 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042-1425 (www.companionsofstanthony.org).