Catherine Ruth Dardozzi

Caterina Ruth Dardozzi (nee Piovano) died peacefully on December 16, 2024. She was born in the small village of Mellea di Farigliano, Italy (near Torino) on December 3, 1929. Rina, as she was known to family and friends, was the daughter of Joseph and Francesca Piovano. As a young girl, she lived through the horrors and deprivations of WWII. In 1946 following the war, along with her mother and brother she reunited with her father who had secured citizenship in the United States. In 1953 she married Louis Dardozzi. Together they had four children and built a life which eventually brought them to Devon, Pennsylvania.

As a woman of her time, Rina was a consummate homemaker, hostess, and devoted daughter, wife, and mother. Her culinary skills, holiday meals, and dinner parties were enjoyed by many. She was a lover of Opera and prior to having children, she sang with the Baltimore Civic Opera. Throughout her life she enjoyed attending the Opera and listening to the Metropolitan Opera live on Saturday afternoons. In her senior years, Rina continued her studies of Italian language, literature, and culture at Rosemont College and was a founding member of the Circolo Italiano of Wayne, Pennsylvania, a group which supports Italian language and culture. Rina’s experience teaching Italian included teaching at the Berlitz Language School.

Rina was a long time member of the Embroiderers Guild of America. Her hands were seldom empty of either knitting needles or her latest work of crewel embroidery. For the many years she enjoyed membership with the Guild, she attended annual workshops throughout the country.

Rina was blessed to travel extensively with family and friends, particularly to her beloved Italy. She also enjoyed visiting other countries with her cherished friend, John Holter, before his death in 2003. In addition to her travels, Rina spent many of her golden years enjoying her home in Ocean City, New Jersey. When not in her favorite spot on the 25th Street beach or on her rocker on the porch, she most likely could be found at the slot machines in Atlantic City, another of her favorite past times. Without a doubt, her favorite beach house guests were her grandchildren. They knew where the Ocean City house key was hidden, and many secrets between them and their Nana will forever remain unknown to their parents.

For the past five years Rina enjoyed living at Wellington Hall at Hershey’s Mills in West Chester, PA. Rina easily made friends and enjoyed playing bridge, singing in the chorus, participating in the theater group, knitting with friends, and playing BINGO on Friday nights with her beloved friend and companion, Frank. Rina’s charm, elegant nature, warmth, and generous spirit will be missed and remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Rina was predeceased by her parents, her grandson Evan Schmidt, her son James Dardozzi, her former husband Louis Dardozzi, and her brother Leo Piovano. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Schmidt (Bill), son Louis Dardozzi (Donna), son Jeffrey Dardozzi (Joy) and grandchildren Patrick, Kristen, Michael, Eric, Marissa, Anna, Lua, Milo, Emiliano, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Rina also leaves behind her dearest friend and companion of many years, Frank Salvatore.

Services for Rina are scheduled for Saturday, December 28th at St Isaac Jogues Parish (50 W Walker Rd, Wayne, PA 19087). A visitation will be held 10:00am to 11:00am, with Mass to begin at 11:00am. Burial will immediately follow at Washington Memorial Chapel Cemetery (2400 Valley Forge Park Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406).

In lieu of flowers, donations to honor Rina may be made to The Compassionate Friends, an organization near and dear to her heart, online at www.compassionatefriends.org or to Main Line Health & Hospice, 240 N. Radnor Chester Rd., Radnor, PA 19087.