Antoinette Malatesta

ANTOINETTE MALATESTA (nee Pargoliti) age 95, beloved wife for 73 years of  the late James J.; loving mother of Frank (wife Donna), Phyllis Malpas (husband Mark), Vincent (Linda Schroeder) and Teresa; devoted grandmother of Andrew Malatesta (wife Kimberly) and Thomas Malatesta (wife Elizabeth), Anthony Pivonka (wife Cecilia) and Amber Malatesta and great-grandmother of Justin, Makayla, Julia and Annelise; cherished daughter of the late Vincenzo and Teresa (nee Labbozzetta) Pargoliti; dearest sister of the late Paul and Fortunato Pargoliti and Domenica Clemente; dearest sister-in-law of Frank Pasquariello and the late Josephine Malatesta and Nicholas Malatesta; beloved aunt of the late Theresa Manocchio and Jimmy Pargoliti; great aunt of Mary Grace & Nicholas Manocchio.

Antoinette was born on May 21, 1926, in Cleveland’s Little Italy. Right on the corner of Mayfield and Murray Hill Roads. Together with her husband, Jim, and surrounded by family and friends she remained in the ‘neighborhood’ and University Circle throughout her life. Jim and Antoinette enjoyed their closing years in South Euclid in the care of their daughter, Teresa. Antoinette passed away peacefully at home with her family, on November 12, 2021.Preceded by Jim in March 2021. As the American born child of Italian immigrant parents she was the cherished pride and joy of the entire Pargoliti family! Antoinette attended Murray Hill Elementary School. As a first-generation Italian American, she was a proud graduate of the secretarial program at John Hay High School in 1944. Toni, as she was known in her youth, communicated with her friend Jim throughout the war years, becoming his dearest pen pal. They married in 1947, uniting a friendship into a family. Antoinette and Jim remained the love of each other’s lives throughout their 73 years of marriage.  Always the homemaker, they raised a family of four, Frank, Phyllis, Vince, and Teresa. While supporting her hard-working husband, from behind the scenes, she cared for her mother Teresa, and supported so so many family members and friends. In particular, her dear mother-in-law, Philomena and her sister, Minnie (Domenica) among many many others. The family home of 51 years on Glenwood Avenue, was active and noisy filled with friends, family, neighbors and plenty of dogs and cats! Innumerable parties’ events and “doings” were planned and enjoyed, gatherings of every size and type. Always special were the celebration of the August 15^th Feast Day dinner and a welcoming New Year’s Eve party. Jim and “A” also visited often with a wide variety of friends and family. They were always happy to be “on the go.” This included everything from Jim’s Army Reunion in Pennsylvania to visiting cousins in South Australia. Of significance, Antoinette and Jim were lifetime active and contributing members of Holy Rosary Church.

With the family grown, Antoinette worked for 17 years for the Alta House, the social settlement in Little Italy. She was the Event Coordinator for the senior citizen program, especially assisting the elderly Italian members. The trip she planned to Amish country annually is remembered in the history of the community! Antoinette was one of the main behind the scenes ‘worker bees’ at the Holy Rosary Feast every year. She and Jim were role models of contribution to the greater good, in anything of which they were a part. Taking on responsibility and leadership. These included the Parent Teachers Union, the Isabella Guild of the Knights of Columbus, the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Little Italy Retirees, and as a local Republican Precinct Committee Woman for 44 years.

Antoinette lives on in our memories with kindness and a warm-hearted smile. Like Jim, Antoinette was a member of the Greatest Generation. As such, she was tough and enduring. Always on top of what was happening, she ruled the roost! Antoinette is cherished and will be sorely missed by many. Everyone rejoices in knowing that her life is strong and healthy and reunited in eternity with her beloved Jimmie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Antoinette to Holy Rosary Church.

Mass of Christian Burial Friday, November 19, 2021 at 10 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland. Burial following at Lake View Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Antoinette at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY, 3-8 PM.

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