Louise M. Infanti

Infanti, Luiga M. "Louise" (Belluz) of Williamsville, NY passed on August 4, at the age of 101. Beloved wife of the late Nello L. Infanti; loving mother of Steven J. Sr. (Kathleen & late Cathleen) Infanti and Richard A. Infanti (Annie Grace); former mother-in- law of Carol Infanti; dear grandmother of Dr. Lynn M. Infanti, Steven J. Jr. (Kimberly) Infanti, Dr. Lisa M. (Henry) Musembi and Nicole A. (Trevor Wasik) Infanti; step grandmother of Susan E. (Ciaran) Spain; great grandmother of Emma, Luke and Jameson, step great grandmother of Sophia and Senan; sister of the late Primo (late Faye) Belluz; also survived by many nieces and nephews. Family will be present Sunday from 4-7PM at the PERNA, DENGLER, ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 1671 Maple Rd. Williamsville. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated from SS Peter & Paul Church, 5480 Main St. Williamsville on Monday at 10AM followed by Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Louise's name may be made to Aero Club of Buffalo or Niagara Aerospace Museum. Share online condolences at www.denglerrobertspernawilliamsville.com

Louise was born June 23, 1925 in Azzano Decimo, Italy, to Giovanna and Joseph Belluz. Louise emigrated to the United States in December, 1930 with her Mom, enduring an arduous boat trip across the Atlantic to Ellis Island. She and her family settled in the Roma street area of Buffalo and coincidentally moved in next door to the Infanti family, who had also come to America in 1930 from Fiume Veneto, Italy, a small town 1.5 miles from Louise’s hometown, approximately 45 minutes from Venice.

Her mom, Giovanna died at 35, from pregnancy complications, when Louise was just 14 years old, and her younger brother Primo was 8 years old. In 1946 her father died of heart complications at the age of 48. Louise persevered, through hard work and help from family and friends, she raised Primo.

World War II ended and the “boy next door”, Nello Infanti, returned home from the European theater as a highly decorated fighter pilot. At that time, Louise was the secretary to the president of Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory and the Company happened to be looking for a test pilot. Louise “suggested” to her boss that he might “take a look” at Nello to fill the position. Cornell hired him and the rest is history. They married in 1947, and spent sixty-three happy years together, before Nello’s passing in 2010.

Louise, in her words, lived a long and wonderful life. She had overcome adversity in her teens with the loss of both of her parents but persevered with determination and a beautiful smile on her face, gentle but strong and determined. She raised two boys, Steven and Richard, which wasn’t easy since Nello’s job required frequent out of town travel. She was a great mother and with the assistance of her trusty wooden spoon, kept the boys in line.

There are so many words to describe this wonderful lady, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, such as: beautiful, kind, loving, unassuming, humble, fashionable, classy, graceful, prayerful and holy…. Her family affectionately called her St. Louise, and she richly deserved the moniker. She was truly the center of the Infanti family!