Angela Devincentis

Angela “Nonna” DeVincentis, a hero is defined as “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities.” Our mother and Nonna possessed all these traits. The matriarch of our family, our beloved Angela DeVincentis lived to 100 years old. She passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, in the most beautiful and peaceful way; at home surrounded by her devoted family. “Nonna Angiolina” was a respected woman and a mother to many. She was born on May 7,1923 in Rocca Montepiano, (Chieti) Italy.
She was preceded in death by, “il tesoro,” her husband, Giuseppe, two daughters, Maria and Nellina, (who died as children,) mother and father, Maria Domenica (Centurione) and Antonio Soldato, mother and father-in-law, Antonio and Maria Nicola [Giurastante] DeVincentis and her brother and sister-in-law, Raimondo and Linda DeVincentis.
She is survived by her children Antonio and Celia DeVincentis, Maria Bocek and Mark and Nellina Dellapenna. She had 7 grandchildren whom she adored; Joseph and Lisa DeVincentis, Domenica and Felix Mucedola, Alicia and Martin Kane, Richard Bocek, Mark Dellapenna, Gabriella and Joseph Igoe and Angelica Dellapenna. Then there were the loves of her life, her great grandchildren; Antonio, Isabella, Alessandra, Natalia, Joseph, Pierce, Camillo and Mitchell. Special cousins Emilio and Suava DeNardis, along with several special nieces and nephews also survived her.
Angela was a remarkably resilient woman. She survived the horrors of World War II. There was a loss of safety, shelter, and security. Together with her husband Giuseppe, they had to rebuild their house and cultivate food. Tragedy presented itself again with the loss of her precious daughters Maria and Nellina. Throughout all the suffering, the theme of family and support from others helped form her story of coping and healing.
Eventually change arrived and Angela’s husband, Giuseppe, expressed his dream to come to America with the hope of making a better life for his family. With the excitement of the new opportunity, also came heartbreak and anguish in Angela. She was the only child and had been her mother’s heart of gold. She said it was joy and sadness at the same time. Angela, just like her mother, unselfishly put her family first and traveled to America to join her husband. Throughout her life, she always looked for good in everyone. She was a tireless advocate for tolerance, acceptance, and peaceful coexistence. She always wanted everyone to feel welcomed. Angela was the steady hand and the calming word for the entire family. Wherever there was a need, she quietly and unassumingly filled it. Whenever anyone got sick or was returning from a trip, within a remarkable amount of time, fresh soup or pasta was delivered onsite. We often joked that Nonna is in the “laboratory,” referencing her basement kitchen where she would cook and bake so many delights. She loved food and the most satisfying experience in life was to see someone enjoy the food she made, especially her family.
As she grew older, Angela and her husband stayed busy with their garden. They kept us all fed with the fruits and vegetables they grew. It gained popularity when it was featured in Martha Stewart Living Magazine. Angela was a member of the St. Mary’s Assumption Church for over 60 years and a member of the Women’s Abruzzese Club. We would like to express our thanks to Dr. Steven Spivak for the kindness and special care he has continually shown.
Her gentle kind soul and love will forever remain present in those lucky enough to have known her and be loved by her. Cara Mama, you have left us with a broken heart. We have lost a mother, grandmother, and friend. While we are saddened to say goodbye, we are certain the heavens are rejoicing for they have gained an angel.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 am, Saturday, February 3rd at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 37 Fayette Street, Binghamton, followed by entombment in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at church Saturday, February 3rd from 9 am until Mass time at 11:30 am.
Memorial contributions can be made in her name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.