Maria DiNicola, 85

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Maria (Rachiele) DiNicola, 85, of 55 Glenn Drive and formerly of 19 Manchester Ave., Pittsfield, passed away Monday, December 3, 2018, at Berkshire Medical Center.

She was born in Serra San Bruno, Province of Calabria, Italy, on April 12, 1933, a daughter of the late Salvatore and Teresa (Andreacchi) Rachiele. She attended schools in Italy and immigrated to the United States on November 15, 1965.

Maria was employed at the former Berkshire Coat Factory for 10 years and then became self-employed as a seamstress and dressmaker, working at home for most of her life, she retired in 2009.
She was a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church and enjoyed cooking, gardening and spending time with her family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Albert J. DiNicola, who died on April 14, 2012; they were married on June 7, 1975. She also was predeceased by her sister, Francesca Franco.

Survivors include her two brothers, Ralph Rachiele and his wife Gina of Pittsfield and Anthony Rachiele and his wife Nicolina of Pittsfield, with whom she made her home; two sisters, Bruna Salerno of Calabria, Italy, and Rosetta Cerone of Toronto, Canada; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral notice: Services will take place Saturday, December 8, 2018, at 8 a.m. from the Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church, 414 North Street, Pittsfield, with Rev. Monsignor Michael A. Shershanovich, Pastor officiating.

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Friday, December 7, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for St. Joseph's Cemetery Capital Campaign in care of the funeral home.