Francesca Rizza Pantano

Francesca (Rizza) Pantano, 93, of Hartford, beloved wife of the late Giuseppe Pantano, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 28, 2018. Born on March 1, 1924 in Palazzolo Acreide, province of Siracusa, Sicily, she was the daughter of the late Paolo and Salvatrice (Curcio) Rizza. Francesa and Giuseppe married in 1948 and in 1956, they decided to immigrate to the United States. Initially living in Reading, PA where Francesca worked in the garment industry. In 1962 the decision was made to move their family to Hartford's ""South End"" and open the P&G Grinder Shop located on Franklin Avenue. During more than 30 years on the ""avenue"" they met and made many friends. She was very social and enjoyed cooking and gardening. Her life revolved around her family and she was happiest when she was spending time with them. A loving mother and grandmother, she will be forever missed by her three daughters, Maria Pantano of Hartford, Angela Agostino and husband Paul of West Hartford and Dorina Shook of Maiden, NC; five adored grandchildren, Joseph Harasz of Chevy Chase, MD, Roseann Agostino and her fiancé Michael Jonczyk of Long Island, NY, Gina Agostino and Teresa Agostino of Coconut Creek, FL, and Lucy Agostino of West Hartford. She is also survived by her brother, Sebastian Rizza and wife Nella, her sister-in-law Tina Rizza, as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends in Italy and United States. She was predeceased by two brothers, Salvatore and Giuseppe Rizza; her sister, Paolina Angelico and her son-in-law, Andrew Paul Shook. Funeral services will begin Friday at 9 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Entombment will be in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Family and friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francesca's memory may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To share a memory of Francesca with her family, please visit www.desopo.com.