It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Maria Teresa Siragusa, announces the passing of their beloved matriarch. Maria, more fondly known as “Terry,” was called home on Thursday, August 1, 2024, at the age of 82.
Maria was born on July 3, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. After graduating high school, she worked as a typist at a law firm in New York City. In early 1963 while out with friends she caught the eye of Vito Siragusa. It was love at first sight for Vito. In true Sicilian culture, Maria was only allowed to date if it was alongside her parents. After he won her and her parent’s hearts, he proposed at Alley Pond Park in Queens, New York. The two were married in 1964 at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church and had their first child, Cathy in 1965, followed by Anna in 1968 and Frank in 1970. The family later moved to California where they welcomed their last child, Steve in 1975. As a family who was passionate about serving authentic Italian food, they opened Di Leone’s Italian Restaurant in El Cajon. For more than 30 years at Di Leone’s, they met memorable customers, that would become lifelong friends.
Maria made every customer feel like family as she welcomed them with her thick New York accent. She had a radiant spirit always dressed in festive clothes, with big hair, and a witty personality. She loved to host family and friends in her home, while she served espresso, biscotti, and a competitive game of Tripoley. Maria's legacy will be her deep love for her family, her adventurous spirit for travel, and her joy for pampering her grandchildren. As we hold onto the heartwarming moments, her presence will be deeply missed.
Maria Teresa Siragusa was preceded in death by her father Bernardo Napoli, mother Antonina Italiano, and son Frank Siragusa. She will be forever remembered by her husband, Vito Siragusa; her children Caterina Bono, Annmarie (David) Quezon, Stephen (Jacqueline) Siragusa; grandchildren Dianella (Kyle) Donner, Marinalisa (Ruben) Flores, Briana Quezon, Michael Siragusa, Alyssa Quezon, Matthew Siragusa, Julia Siragusa and great-grandchildren Gianna Flores and Ariana Flores.
Family and friends are invited to join in Maria’s memorial service. There will be a viewing on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 6:45 to 8:00 pm at El Cajon Mortuary, 684 S. Mollison Ave. El Cajon, CA, 92020. On Friday, August 16, 2024, a rosary will be held from 9:30 to 10:00 am followed by a funeral service at The Church of St. Luke, 1980 Hillsdale Road El Cajon, CA, 92019. The service will be followed with a burial at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113.
