Raffaella M. Talarico

Raffaella Marie Ferrante Talarico, 88, passed away peacefully at St. Mary's at Asbury Woods on October 18, 2026.

Born in Vandra, Forlí del Sannio, Isernia, Italy, on February 21, 1938, Raffaella was the beloved daughter of the late Luigi and Carmella Antonelli Ferrante. Her devoted husband of 68 years, Joseph Talarico, preceded her in death.

Raffaella's greatest pride and joy was her family. She was the loving mother of four children: Tina Talarico of Monroe, Michigan; Joseph Talarico of Erie; Adrienne Steppic (Chris) of Erie; and Anthony Talarico (Jennie) of Erie. She was the cherished nana of Gabrielle and Hannah Steppic and Nicole Talarico, whom she adored beyond measure.

An avid gardener, Raffaella eagerly looked forward to planting flowers and vegetables each year. She took great pride in carrying on the gardening traditions her father had taught her and delighted in creating beautiful gardens for her family and others to enjoy.

Raffaella also had a love of music, especially ABBA, and could often be found listening to her favorite songs. She was known for her wonderful homemade spaghetti and meatballs and frequently prepared large Italian dinners for her son Anthony's fellow officers at the Erie Police Department. Through her cooking, she shared not only the flavors of her Italian heritage but also her generous heart and welcoming spirit.

A devoted animal lover, Raffaella cherished her beloved fur babies, Peanut the cat and Sarge the Rottweiler. Above all, her grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She never wanted to miss a play, dance recital, school event, or any milestone in their lives. She was always there to cheer them on, celebrating their accomplishments and treasuring every moment spent with them.

Raffaella was a loving mother and devoted wife who, throughout 68 years of marriage, shared with Joe an unwavering commitment to their family. Together, they made their children and grandchildren the center of their world, dedicating their lives to providing for them, supporting them, and surrounding them with love. The family they built together was their greatest accomplishment and their most treasured legacy.

Raffaella was partially deaf as a result of a childhood illness, but she never allowed that to diminish her enjoyment of life. There was, however, one sound she wished more than anything she could hear: the singing of birds. She often told her family that when she reached heaven, the first thing she wanted to hear was the sound of birds singing.

Her family finds comfort in imagining that, after a lifetime of waiting, Raffaella is finally hearing that beautiful sound.

Raffaella will be remembered for her generous heart, her devotion to family, her love of Italian traditions, her beautiful gardens, her favorite music, and the meals she prepared with so much love. She had a special way of making those around her feel welcome and cared for, leaving behind countless memories that will be cherished for generations.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved by her children, grandchildren, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy will live on in the traditions she passed down, the gardens she nurtured, the meals she lovingly prepared, and, most of all, in the family she loved so dearly.

May she now find peace in heaven, surrounded by the beautiful sound of birds singing.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, 2122 Raspberry Street, on Sunday, October 25th, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and may attend a prayer service there on Monday, October 26th, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 816 West 26th Street, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.