Maria Sportelli, age 84, transitioned peacefully to eternal life on June 25, 2021 under the loving and attentive care of the staff at the Serenity Living Home in Fresno, California. She was born in Gioia del Colle, Italy, the eldest of 3 siblings. Maria immigrated to Fresno with her family, arriving by boat, in January 1958 at the age of 20. After 5 years in the United States she became a citizen and traveled back to Italy to marry Tony Sportelli. She and Tony returned to Fresno soon thereafter to begin their new life together.
Maria was always a hard worker, employed at a book bindery and as a waitress right up until the birth of her first child. She was well known for her culinary skills, especially Italian cookies and Christmas Eve dinners. She showed her love by making delicious and healthy meals. Even after her adult children had started their own families, she would stock their freezers with her homemade pasta al forno, lasagna, or eggplant parmigiana. Her family was the center of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother.
Maria is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Tony, her son Michael and his wife Julie, her daughter Marisa and her husband Douglas Melnick and her four grandchildren Mia, Michael, Leo, and Nathan. She is also survived by her sister, Angela Buccieri, her brother Philip Angelillo and his wife Donna, and nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much.
A Rosary will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 7 at 9:00 AM followed by a Mass and private interment at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to:
*Valley Caregiver Resource Center (www.valleycrc.org)
5363 N. Fresno St., Fresno,CA 93710
*The Bristol Foundation (www.bristolfoundation.org)
2787 W. Bullard Avenue Suite 101, Fresno.CA 93711
*The Sisters of Nazareth (www.sistersofnazareth.com)
2121 N. First Street, Fresno,CA 93703
*The Alzheimers Association (www.act.alz.org).
