July 1, 1939 – May 26, 2024
Leonarda A (Vultaggio) Rigione, affectionately known as Nora, a resident of Reading for 57 years, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 26, 2024. Nora was born on July 1st, 1939 in Somerville, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Nicholas Vultaggio and Rosaria (Asta) Vultaggio and sister to Vita (Vultaggio) Cucinotta and her husband Dominic of Medford and the late Nicholas Vultaggio and his wife Irene in Temecula, California.
Nora was the beloved wife of the late John Rigione. Devoted mother of Susan A. Blanchard, and her husband Charles of New Ipswich, NH, Anthony Rigione of Reading and Karen Dell’Anno and her husband Domenic of Woburn. She was a beloved grandmother to Charlie, Ava and Johnny and an aunt to her four nephews.
Nora graduated high school at Archbishop Cushing Central High in 1958 and worked soon after in downtown Boston at First National Bank. In 1965 she married the love of her life, John and had 3 beautiful children, Susan, Anthony and Karen.
Nora became a young widow at age 43, left to raise her children on her own. Although it was hard, she received love and support from her parents, family members, neighbors and the Catholic community. What kept her going was always her three children; they were her source of strength. Determined to provide for her small family working three jobs: a lunch lady in the Reading School System, a meat packer at Atlantic Grocery Store and a cookie maker at Shaw’s Bakery. She also cleaned houses and ironed for the elderly.
Nora always loved day trips and was always ready for long car rides. She traveled with her children and cherished the memories they made together. She enjoyed going to the theater to attend musicals and dedicated her time to her knitting club, where she made scarves and blankets for those in need.
Nora was a devoted Catholic who instilled her strong faith in her children. Every Saturday, she could be found in the first pew at St. Agnes Church, arriving an hour before the 4:00pm Mass to pray for her children, grandchildren and all those in need.
Nora was truly a treasure. She cherished her childhood friends and cousins and made many friends over the years. Wherever Nora went, she befriended people. Thank you all for always being there for her. She truly cherished your love, support and friendship.
A visitation will be held at the Douglass, Edgeley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) in Reading on Saturday June 1 from 9:00-10:30am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Agnes Church 186 Woburn St. Reading at 11:00am. Burial will follow at Charles Lawn Cemetery in Reading.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Nora’s memory to the American Heart Assoc. PO Box 417005 Boston, MA 02241-7005. www.heart.org.
