Ersilia 'Dolly' Trapani, 91

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ersilia "Dolly" (DiNicola) Trapani, 91, died Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at Mount Carmel Care Center.

She was born in Pittsfield on June 12, 1925, daughter of Selvino and Donata (D'Orazio) DiNicola.  She attended local schools.

Ersilia was employed at the Rice Silk Mill until her marriage to John Trapani at the former Mount Carmel Church on June 4, 1966. He died on September 21, 1990. She was also predeceased by her brothers Armondo, Antonio and Alberto DiNicola.

She is survived by her special needs daughter Lisa Marie, to whom she was extremely devoted; her brother Richard and his wife Mary Lou; her sister-in-law Maria Rachiele; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Throughout  her life, Ersilia's unfaltering faith and deep love of family brought her much joy and contentment.  Keeping up family traditions, watching her extended family grow and her daily devotion to her faith is what made her truly happy. Ersilia's gentleness and compassionate heart will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Ersilia Trapani will be Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016, 11:15 a.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, followed by a Funeral Mass at Noon at St. Mark's Church.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.  

Calling hours are Wednesday, Aug. 24, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BAROCO (which provides services to adults with developmental disabilities) or to Mount Carmel Care Center in care of the funeral home.