Maria Lella

Obituary for Maria Lella It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Maria Lella, who left this world on October 10, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on September 24, 1932, in Italy, Maria was a beacon of love and strength, cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her life journey led her from the picturesque landscapes of Italy to the vibrant community of Port Richmond, Staten Island, New York, where she built a legacy of love and devotion. Maria was the beloved daughter of the late Vito and Palma Pedone, and she was known for her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to her family. In 1956, she married the late Nicola Lella, and together they embarked on a lifelong adventure filled with love, laughter, and the joys of raising a family. Their love story began in Italy and blossomed when they made the brave decision to move to America in 1972, where they created a warm and welcoming home for their children. She was a devoted mother to seven children, two of whom, Domenico Lella and Vito Lella,preceded her in death. Maria's heart swelled with pride for her surviving children: daughter Rosa Caruso and her husband Frank; son Frank Lella and his wife Carmela; son Domenico Lella; daughter Palma (Lella) Ruggiero and her husband Frank; and son Vito Lella and his wife Cheryl. Each child carried a piece of her spirit, and she delighted in nurturing their dreams and aspirations. As a grandmother, Maria's joy multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren: Josephine Cirillo (husband Dave), Rosario Caruso (wife Georgette), Krista Lella, Nicholas Lella, and Domenico Lella, as well as her cherished future grandchildren Gabriella, Gianna, Dominic, Maria, Nicola, and Vito Paul Lella. She reveled in each moment spent with her great-grandchildren, Daniella Cirillo, Joseph Cirillo, Christopher Cirillo, Samantha Caruso, Francesco Caruso, Justin Lella, and David Lella, her legacy continued through their laughter and love. Maria was not only a devoted mother and grandmother but also a beloved sister, to her siblings Vito, Domenico, Antonio, Antonia, and Rosa Pedone. Her family was her greatest treasure, and she took immense pride in the close-knit relationships she cultivated throughout her life. She was a homemaker who dedicated her life to her children and family, creating a nurturing environment that was always filled with warmth and kindness. In her later years, Maria spent her final moments at home, surrounded by her loving family, who provided her with the same love and care she had given them throughout her life. She will be remembered for her incredible strength, resilience, and, above all, her boundless love for her family. A funeral mass will be held in her honor on October 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church. Family and friends are invited to celebrate the beautiful life of Maria Lella, a woman who embodied love and devotion in every sense. The family will receive family and friends on Tuesday October 14, 2025 from 2-4- and 7-9 PM at the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals located at 28 Eltingville Blvd.., Staten Island, NY 10312 Maria's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and the countless friends whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, dear Maria; your love will forever be the guiding light in our lives.

Maria Lella

September 24, 1932 - October 10, 2025