Grazia "Grace" Truncali

Grazia "Grace" Truncali, 83, entered eternal life on April 12th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 4th, 1939 in Sant'Anna di Caltabellotta, (Agrigento) Sicily, to parents Giovanni Scarpinati and Giuseppa Perrone. Her mother recall d that during the war, while her husband was serving in the Italian Army, she heard soldiers marching through the village. Fearful they were Germans, she laid on the floor, her body over her child to shield her. To her relief, they were American troops, distributing candy to the children. This was the Allied Invasion of Sicily in the summer of 1943 resulting in the collapse of Mussolini's Fascist regime. Grazia attended ended elementary school and aided her mother with household duties, which were more laborious because there were no conveniences. She always disliked farmwork. She cared for her paralyzed grandmother, until she reached the age of 18, when she immigrated to America traveling with cousins on La Vulcania to New York. Grazia had inherited American citizenship at birth because her mother had been born in Murphysboro, Illinois and subsequently her grandfather returned the family to Italy. She lived with a very frugal aunt in Philadelphia, Zia Santa, and found employment as a seamstress in a clothing factory. Grazia remarked that everyone was celebrating her birthday every July 4th. In 1964, she returned to Sicily for Christmas and met Francesco, the love of her life. They married on April 26th, In S.Anna at La Matrice, the Mother church, and returned to Phila.to reside with her parents who had immigrated a year earlier. Their son Philip was born in 1966, John in 1968, and Pellegrino (Pino) in 1969. Their household was always full of people for coffee, Italian pastries, conversation,and Briscola,an Italian card game.

The family enjoyed having parties for birthdays, showers, and Holy days, while she and her mother prepared abundant food. There was plenty of action with the children running all around! She and her mother brought the tradition from Italy of St. Joseph's altar on his Feast Day March 19th. Frank lovingly constructed the 3 tiered altar representing the Holy Trinity, and the women baked dozens of loaves of bread. The principal one was the Monstrance with a representation of the Host which the priest consecrates at Mass to be the Body and Blood of Christ. Loaves were shaped into lilies, representing St. Joseph's purity, others his beard and staff. A priest blessed the bread and hundreds of loaves were distributed to everyone.

In 1980, her parents chose to relocate to California to be closer to extended family. Sadly, her father passed away on April 12th, before this dream was realized, but she and her brother Pino's family moved to Modesto. Being gregarious she rapidly became acquainted with the neighbors. She and Frank continued the traditions, with the assistance of her now cousin Joan Perrone and new Assyrian family members. When Frank could no longer build the altar cousin John assumed the project. Grazia's daughter-in-law Giovanna continues the tradition.

Grazia cared for many Modesto children,whom she loved, to supplement Frank's income, and who are adults now. A devoted Catholic, she recited many Rosaries and Divine Mercies each day. EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) was her daily companion for Mass. She loved Jesus and his earthly father St. Joseph who is Patron of the family, fatherhood and Happy, Peaceful death. She is survived by her three sons Philip (Maureen), John, Pino (Giovanna). She reveled in her 5 Truncali grandchildren Josephine (Army), Brandon, Frank ( Navy) (Carly) John Paul,( Miranda) Hope, and her 8 great-grandchildren Jaxxon, Indiana, Jeremiah, Elias, Sophia Grace, Aidan, Alayna and Bella. She is survived by her brother Pellegrino (Carol) children, Joanne (Darren), goddaughter Josephine(Steve) and nieces Faith and Emily, nephews Michael, Thomas (Army) Kayla) children Stella, and Colton, nephews, Hayden and Logan. There were daily calls from her cousins Grazia, Lena, Paula, Frank's sisters Maria, Pina,brother Paul and numerous cousins in Italy and the Bay area, and her lifelong Comare Carmela. She was so appreciative of the gentle and patient care by her niece Joanne who assisted her mom, Carol in her daily care. Her son John was always available for cooking, lifting, tech support, love and humor. Her son Pino brought her the Holy Eucharist every Sunday, and Philip brought her canned fruits and other foods she could tolerate. Grazia was very grateful to each and everyone who assisted her in some way. Frank entered eternal life on November 12th, 2021 and they both loved to dance when they were younger. She had chosen a tuxedo for him and an evening gown for herself with new shoes so they can continue to dance in heaven. Grazia loved her physicians, Dr. Provenzano, Dr. Nazareno, Dr. Davvern, and Dr. Olorunzola, of Sutter S.F.

The family appreciates the excellent, compassionate and gracious care by all of the staff at SEVA Hospice. We thank Father Sam West, who administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, visits by Father Sekhar, and Hospice Chaplain Chuck Adam.

Visitation will take place on April 24, 2023 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm; with a Rosary at 6:30 pm at Lakewood Funeral Home - Heritage Chapel 900 Santa Fe Ave Hughson, CA

Mass will take place on April 25, 2023 10:00 am at St Joseph Catholic Church 1813 Oakdale Rd Modesto, CA with burial to follow at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery

Donations may be made to:

St. Joseph's Catholic Church

1813 Oakdale Rd. , Modesto, Ca. 95355

SEVA Hospice:

5380 Pirrone Rd. Suite 301 a

3rd floor, Salida, Ca. 95368