Emma was born in Greenwich on August 9, 1926 and was the daughter of Pietro Bologna and Maria G. Bologna. Emma’s parents arrived from Castlegrande, Italy in 1921-1922 and, shortly thereafter, settled in Greenwich, where Emma and five siblings grew up, enjoying outings at Island Beach in the summer and ice skating at Bruce Park in the winter. Emma graduated from Greenwich High School in 1944 and then completed a course of study and technical work in fashion design and dressmaking at The McDowell School in New York City. Emma was a very talented and expert dressmaker who could sew just about anything and often created her own clothing patterns. In addition to making clothes, she worked as a sewing instructor for The Singer Sewing Machine Company. Emma was a member of America’s “Greatest Generation” and carried those values of the generation - duty, honor, faith and responsibility, throughout her life.
Emma married Ralph Pistininzi in 1952. After their first child was born, Emma became a full time mother and housewife, a job to which she was devoted and dedicated. During the 1950’s and 1960’s, Emma was a station wagon-driving, suburban Mom, who was always busy, whether she was sewing a beautiful outfit for a family member, gardening, cooking, entertaining, or just being a homemaker. She also served as a Girl Scout troop leader. One summer day, she surprised us with a puppy, “Pooh Bear”, which brought great joy to the family. She had a lifelong love of books and reading and imparted that love to her children. She enjoyed family vacations on Cape Cod and swimming, but the greatest joy of her life was her grandchildren.
Emma had a beautiful smile that we will never forget. She was compassionate, kind, gracious and a good friend to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her humorously matter-of-fact comments as she shared her opinions and wisdoms with her granddaughters. Her smile and sparkling eyes brought feelings of joy and togetherness to those around her. Emma's loving spirit was a true reflection of God.
Emma is survived by her children, Kristine Pistininzi, Thomas Pistininzi, and Mary Carol Shea, son-in-law, William Shea, granddaughters, Laura, Allison, Emma, and Bridget Shea. She also leaves behind her sisters, Edith Montpelier and Rose Mazon, her brother Joseph Bologna and his wife Catherine, and 13 nieces and nephews. Emma was predeceased by her husband Ralph T. Pistininzi (1974) and her brothers Frank Bologna and Michael Bologna.
Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Monday, July 12, 2021 from 2PM to 5PM, at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch Street, Greenwich, Ct. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 10AM, at St. Mary’s Church, 178 Greenwich Avenue, Greeenwich, Ct. Interment will follow at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to PAWS of Norwalk, at www.pawsct.org.
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