Emidio Melaragno

Emidio Melaragno

Emidio Melaragno, age 89, passed away surrounded by his family on May 13, 2023 at his home. One of six children of the late Michele and Graziella Melaragno, Emidio was born in Forli del Sannio, Italy on February 12, 1934.

After surviving the perils of World War II in Europe, Emidio immigrated to the United States in 1961 and set his sights on the American dream, following in the footsteps of his parents and other family members. After his parents returned to Italy six years later, he began to build a life for himself in America. In 1969 he returned to Italy and met and married his beloved wife, Maria Ricchiuti and brought her back to the United States to start a family.

Although life in a new country was a struggle, his work ethic, morals and love for family pushed him forward. There was no job or challenge that he and his wife did not overcome. Together, they raised three boys which were Emidio's pride and joy. He insisted that they go to school so they didn't have to work as hard as he did, and they did, with all three sons becoming professionals. He enjoyed working in his garden during the summers but most of all being with his children and grandchildren. At the age of 68, Emidio passed the U.S. citizenship test and became a U.S. citizen. He truly lived the American dream and was a proud American.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Filomena; his brothers, Alberico (Linda) and Ferdinando; his sister-in-law, Filomena (Alberto); his nephew, Giovanni Vitale; and a great-nephew Mattia Folchitti.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Maria; sons, Michael, Anthony and Fernando (Kimberly); his sister, Albina; brother, Alberto; granddaughters, Shirley (Anthony), Isabella, and Arianna (Fernando); and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Friends and family may call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Thursday, May 18th from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and are invited to a prayer service there on Friday, May 19th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 816 West 26th Street, at 10 a.m. Entombment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org). Those who are unable to attend in person can participate in the Mass via live-stream. The link can be found on the Sacred Heart Church's homepage (www.sacredhearterie.com).