Emilia Grifo
February 12, 1942 - February 18, 2024
Emilia Grifo, age 82, of Newark, DE, passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024.
Born in Monteforte Irpino, provincia di Avellino, Campania, Italy on February 12, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Sabato and Maria (De Somma) Fusco. Emilia worked as a talented seamstress, creating beautiful pieces for major designers as well as costumes for Broadway shows. In her spare time, she loved entertaining, singing, and cooking delicious meals for her loved ones. Above all, Emilia was devoted to her family.
Emilia is survived by her loving husband, Natale Grifo; her children, Rosario Grifo (Anna) and Robert Grifo; grandchildren, Sophia, Julian, and Alexander; and her brother, Martino Fusco.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5 pm until 7 pm on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A second visitation will be held from 9 am until 10 am on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am, following the visitation, at Holy Family R.C. Church, 15 Gender Road, Newark, DE. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
John Ricco
Dear Robbie, Rosario and Natale,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Emilia. She was such an amazing person, I will always cherish the memories I have of sitting around her table and being fed like a king! She cooked with such love and she could do no wrong in her kitchen. I will forever be moved by the way she loved her family and especially for her dedication to her father. I learned so much about how to live from spending time at the Grifo house and I will forever see her beautiful smile and remember the way she made you feel when you entered her home. Rest In Peace Emilia, I know the Angels and Saints are being fed very well up there!
Love Always,
John, Cynthia, Natalie, Adriana & Johnny Ricco
Mery de Somma
Caro Natalino, Rosario, Robert e tutti in famiglia,
Sono profondamente rattristata dalla notizia della vostra perdita. Prego che Dio vi dia la forza di superare questa grande perdita.
Le mie più sentite condoglianze.
Mery de Somma
Teresa Fusco
Che il signore ti accolga tra le sue braccia , buon viaggio Zia ! Ti voglio bene Teresa !
Duv Fern
To my Brothers Ross, Robbie, and Natale,
Words will never be able to truly explain what your Mother Emilia Grifo ment to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Everytime I ever came over to your home in Brooklyn or Newark, two things were always guaranteed a warm plate of food and a even warmer heart. I still remember her telling to be quite( because I woke the whole neighbourhood with my loud voice and even louder laughter) and that it was always a pleasure to see me. She always no matter what we were going through or how tough of a battle we were facing growing up she filled me with joy, love and peace. To her final days she always invited me to come over and spend time with all of you all. Her home was my home, and when it was time for me to leave even before I would step out her door she would turn to me and say with that wonderful warm glowing smile “So Fern you know you are welcome back anytime” and absolutely truly ment it. Her legacy will forever live on in both her sons Robert and Rosario her husband Natale and her grandchildren. I know losing a mother is the hardest thing in this world. But now we have a angel on our side up there looking down upon us and I habe no doubt prepairing a place for us in heaven with the rest of God’s angles. This is not ever going to be a Goodbye to you Miss Emilia Grifo but we shall all see you again in a better place. Also can’t wait for those Easter Meat Pies that you would set one aside for me everytime I was blessed to spend Easter Sunday with you my angle.
Thank you so very much from the entire Fern Family.
Luigi (Giggino) De Somma
Natalino, Rosario, Roberto, Martino and your families.
The last time I saw “Miliuccia” in person was in Monteforte prior to the family’s departure for the USA. From past conversations with family members, I learned the year ‘Zi Maria e ‘Zi Sapatiello emigrated to the States was 1961. I was five years old; I don’t remember much from that time; and, she was 14 years older.
Truth be told, although we are first cousins and our parents were very close, the age difference and the distance between us probably precluded the formation any kind of meaningful relationship with Miliuccia during my younger years. That all changed as I got older and got married.
Over the past nearly four decades, I can’t remember a Christmas or Easter that we didn’t connect. On the few occasions that I managed to call her before she called me, she would quickly remind me that, next time, she would call me. And, what conversations we would have!
Miliuccia was never at a loss for words. If not reminiscing about our parents, or how our respective families were doing, there was always the particular and traditional holiday dishes our families had prepared. “Ma com’a’fai tu a pizza ch’iena e o’ pastiere a Pasqua?”; “Com’o’ prepar’ tu o’ baccalà a Natale?” We almost always spoke in Montefortese; the odd time an English phrase would find it’s way in the conversation. She always called me “Giggino” -the name family and paesani used to refer to me. I really enjoyed being able to converse in the old language with her.
Invariably, the conversations would turn to this question: “Ma quann’ mi vien’ a trova’ a ‘Mereca? Tu o’ sai, i’ mi mett’ paura e’ viaggia’ co’ l’apparecch’.” Miliuccia would always invite us to go see her, because her fear of flying prevented her from visiting us in Canada. Sadly, for whatever reasons, that never happened. She will be missed.
To all of you from all of us, our sincerest condolences, and strength to get through this difficult time. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Luigi (Giggino) De Somma and family.
Annarita Fusco
Condoglianze a zio Natalino, a Roberto e Rosario. Riposa in pace zia.
Jack & Beatrice Peyton
Tony, Robbie & Family our condolences and love. So sorry for your loss.
Vincenzo De Stefano
Cara Zia Emilia,sarai per sempre un caro e dolce ricordo. Non dimenticherò mai quella volta che sei venuta in Italia e ci siamo conosciuti,eri dolce allegra e tanto affettuosa. Ti auguro buon viaggio verso la vita eterna. Riposa in pace ❤️ Cari zio Natalino,Rosario,Anna e Roberto condoglianze e un abbraccio!
Rocha Family
Rob and Family,
Our prayers and rosary intentions are with your family during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss.
Ovidio & Yaritza Rocha
Carolina Forero
Dear Grifo family.
I am very sorry for your loss. She will always be in our hearts and we treasure the beautiful memories of our coffees together. Love to Natalino.