Antonette Louise Biasotto (née Niglio)
February 5, 1917 - December 7, 2024
Antonette Louise Biasotto, 107-Year-Old Delaware Resident
Antonette Louise Biasotto (née Niglio), affectionately known as Nettie to all who knew her, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the age of 107.
She was born in Wilmington, DE on February 5, 1917. She lived on 7th Street between King and Market Streets with her mother, Angelina, and father, Michael, along with her two younger siblings — Sam and Katherine. (Both Sam and Cass are still doing quite well at 97 and 99!)
Her dad died in an automotive accident when she was quite young, and since this was before Social Security or Welfare, Nettie and her mom had to go to work to support the family. She told us many times that a roast chicken dinner on Sunday was a meal to remember. Her mother moved the family to Philadelphia, but Nettie had gotten a job working at Neisner Brothers 5&10 on Market Street in Wilmington. The 16-year-old took the Wilson Line steamboat from Philadelphia to Wilmington and stayed with her uncle’s family in Wilmington during the week. She worked at Neisner’s in the toiletries department as a counter attendant (yes, that was a job back in the 1930s). She wore denim overalls and a straw hat with a brim.
She married the love of her life, Angelo O. Biasotto on May 14, 1936. During the war years, Angie worked at Dravo Corporation, a shipbuilding company employing over 10,000 workers at the Wilmington site, constructing Destroyer escorts to support the war effort. They lived in Minquadale raising their two sons Larry and Danny. She’s got pictures of the Victory Garden and the yard chickens where they got fresh veggies and yes, an occasional chicken dinner.
Angie became manager of the Newark Country Club from 1944 to 1953. In 1953, he was able to obtain a job at the Chrysler Tank Plant in Newark. So, in 1948, a year after the arrival of Nick, the third of “My Three Sons,” the family moved to Newark. When the “Tank Plant” converted to car manufacturing, Angie worked at the Chrysler Assembly Plant, building Dodges and Plymouths until his death in 1974.
Nettie was a stay-at-home mom during those early Newark years keeping the three lads fed and as always making sure they were well behaved (or at least as close as she could). Later, Mom worked for many years at McVey Elementary School in the cafeteria, doing what she’s always loved — feeding kids and watching them grow. (She even filled in, on occasion, as a substitute at McVey in her early 90s!) Nettie also worked for the Board of Elections as a clerk for numerous local, state and national elections, going back as far as the Kennedy/Nixon years. She was also able to travel extensively later in her amazing life.
Newark residents may remember her famous yard sales and summer veggie stands, where she would share her favorite recipes. She still canned 100 quarts of tomatoes a year well into her 90s and the whole family was the beneficiary of her spaghetti sauce.
Most of all, Nettie loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether at her home, their homes or at the beach. We hope that everyone who knew her will honor her love and kindness by passing it on to others.
In addition to her parents and husband, Nettie was preceded in death by her son, Daniel, in 2006. She is survived by her sons, Lawrence (Ginger), and Nicholas (Tracey); daughter-in-law, Gladys Biasotto; sister, Katherine Capewell; and brother, Samuel Biasotto. Her grandchildren include Lawrence Biasotto (Margie) of Ocean View, and their family, Alexi, Joey, Ramsey and Reece; Kara Clarke (Simon) of Wilmington, and their family, Abigail, Charlie, and Sam; Andrew Biasotto (Kim) of Wilmington, and their daughter, Jessica Gandolfo (Jim); Darby Trinsey (Michael) and their daughters, Maisie and Emi; and Jake and Tommy Biasotto; Catherine Biasotto of Alexandria, VA; Amy Biasotto of New York, NY and her son, James; and Danielle Stanley (Ryan) of Clinton, New Jersey and their sons, Ryan and Aidan.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
Any family members or friends who are unable to attend the service for Nettie may live stream the service by clicking here.
Ellen Coover Bossert
Nettie was a joy! When she was in her 90’s she told me she had no aches or pains. Her secret was eat, drink and be merry! She loved tomato and butter sandwiches, she was always excited to adventure with her family! I have always loved her beautiful homey house! I have missed her these past couple summers. I think of her every time i go past her home. I grew up around the block from her home in the 1960’s .thru 1980’s . Kept Newark my home and enjoyed her and talking to Nick ! My sincere condolences to Netties famliy whom she adored! May she rest in peace!
Jen Miller
Mummum, as the Clarkes and I called her, will be sorely missed. I had the great pleasure of spending time with her laughing, hugging and loving. The best moments were seeing her adoring her family. The twinkle in her eye when she captured all the wonderful memories was such a gift. Rest easy Mumum! Hope you are dancing a jig with a clear head and open heart in Heaven. I will miss you greatly!
Barbara Jackson
MomMom was a joy i inherited with my friendship with Kara. She loved going out to eat with us and there was nothing better than getting some of Mommom’s red sauce. She and I wore the same size shoes and I loved giving her ones that I just never had worn but she loved. She was a precious gift that Kara shared with me. She will missed and she was so very well loved ❤️❤️❤️
The Grzybowski's
May the feeling of sadness be lifted by the peace she has found. God bless the family and friends. I will miss our lunch dates with Margie and Mom Mom. What a charming, lovely woman she was.
Robert Knieriem
Thank you Mom Mom for all the love and food you shared with us. We are blessed to have known you. All our love and condolences to the whole family. R&P
Karen George
Mom mom (as I called her) was such a wonderful woman so full of life. I met her years ago while delivering Kara’s mail. She always had a kind word to say or a quick wave as she sat on the porch. She will be missed. Praying for your family… may the memories help with the pain of such a big family loss.
Nan Marcus
What a beautiful vision of and testament to Nettie, a life well lived, loved; generous, caring and servanthood. Well done, the good and faithful servant. Your effervescent smile will sorely be missed. Your legacy and bittersweet joy will live on in the hearts of your family and friends recounting wonderful memories and priceless times spent together.
In sympathy…. Nan
Marie Seewald
Dr. B. Prayers for you and your family. Embrace all your loving memories of your mom. She has her wings now rejoicing with her love ones & others who left before her. Embrace the memories you have mom, never let them go. Death is always hard on the survivors especially at this time of the year, She is happy now watching over her love ones left behind.
Sincerely, Marie Seewald
Shannon and Lisa Stevens
We loved seeing Mom mom when she came to visit Kara. She had the best smile and always waved hello from the porch. We were lucky enough to sit and have a cocktail on the porch with her and even indulge in her delicious sauce on occasion. She was a sweet soul and will be missed.
Julia Doran (Spadotto)
Our deepest condolences to the family. Thank you to Kara for inviting us to the Family reunion where we had the pleasure of spending time with Aunt Nettie and family.
Ray Rocha
Dear Kara,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Mommom’s passing. What an incredible legacy she leaves behind, and we feel privileged to have met her during such a milestone year seven years ago when she turned 100 years old. Please know that Liane, Camila, Felipe, and I are keeping you, Simon, Abigail, Charlie, Sam and the whole family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Victoria Clarke
Will miss Nettie so much, the Clarke’s household will never be the same! She was almost a permanent resident in her later years spending long weekends with Kara and Simon. On my visits from the UK she was a good companion. She loved card games winning most.times! Enjoyed her wonderful cakes and spaghetti meatballs, she had so much energy, still looking after babies and the toddlers every summer at the beach house. A wonderful matriarch of the Biasotto family. My sincere condolences to her near and extended family. Victoria Clarke
suzie Miller Ashmead
I have a lifetime of memories of this dear lady!! She lived down the street from my Grandparents and her son Lawrence was my fathers best friend. I used to see her at garage sales and we always shared a good laugh. She will be missed. Sending love to all her family xoxo
John miller
Rest in peace beloved mother of my best friend Lawrence.
Phyllis R Burris
I am Bill, Jr.’s wife Phyllis and spent much time with Nettie at Lillian’s or at our home in Cambridge, MD. Bill spent his last day on earth with Nettie and I in Newark and we had a wonderful day. I had to call Nettie the next day and tell her of Bill’s passing from a stroke. Lost contact with Nettie and thought of her often but moved a few times. I was shocked today to read the News Journal and see her obituary. Sandy has passed and Linda lives in Massachusetts and I will certainly let her know. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless, Phyllis Burris
Kate Applebaum
My condolences to you, Kara and the rest of your family. She will be missed and I am so glad to have known her and been a part of your lives. I thoroughly enjoyed serving the two of you over the years. And I know she is enjoying many Oyster Po’boys right now.
The Stevensons
We have so many fond memories of mom mom with the Clarkes in their Wilmington home and Poconos house. She was always so warm and loving. We are all better off for knowing her. You could see how much she loved her family and you just felt good sitting and being around mom mom. 💜
Deborah DOZ Lamin-Kamara
Sending love and condolences to the entire family. May God comfort you all in this difficult time and may our loved one’s soul rest in peace.
She will be deeply missed 😭♥️♥️🙏🏿
Virginia
Nettie Biasotto (Mom Mom) was my mother in law but she treated me and her other two daughters in law as if we were daughters. I can honestly say that I can’t remember one critical word spoken to me in
the 70 years that I knew her. Our family was blessed to have such a kind, loving matriarch.
Maddie Dwyer
Amy, James and family,
our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
the Dwyer Family
Esther Burris
We are so sorry to hear that Mrs. B passed away. She was our dear neighbor and friend for many years. Sending our love and condolences to the family. Rest in Peace Mrs. B.😇❤️
Mike Canning
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a great woman.
Marylou Biasotto
Nettie lived a long and wonderful life and was a blessing to her extended family. I can still remember her dancing her heart out at Stephen and Cody’s wedding. She outlasted many of the younger ones that night! I am sure her long life was largely due to the close ties she had with all of her children, grandchildren and great grand-children.
Adriene Washington
Kara and family,
Sending heartfelt condolences. May God bless you and your family.
Marilyn
So sorry for your loss. Marilyn Dickey
Linda Ann Gardella
Dearest Biasotto Family,
Your dad, Angelo, was one of my father’s (Tony Gardella) closest friends. I was just a young kid but can still recall driving down to Delaware from Connecticut and our visits. Nicky had to give up his bed one time and I remember him sleeping on the couch. BTW, my first child born in 1970, is also named Nick. Your mom was a peach. What a terrific life she had, and your father kept everyone laughing. He was a unique guy. If we’d lived closer, I’m sure their friendship would have been even deeper. I will pray for both of them tonight and ask God that they live together forever in heaven, as I do for my mom and dad.
Blessings to you all. Linda Gardella
Bill Murray
I am so grateful to have known you Nettie. All of my friends and family have heard me talking about this amazing and kind woman who made me welcome in the USA. I will miss you dear lady xx