Giovaninna (Brogna) Colella of Medford died Saturday, July 4, at the East Point Nursing Home of Chelsea. Born in Chelsea, she was the daughter of the late Antonio and DiAmante (Capone) Brogna. Giovaninna lived in Italy before returning to the U.S. at age 46 and settling in Medford.
She was the beloved wife of the late Antonio Colella and devoted mother of Marianna "Nina" Tamasi and her husband Leonardo of Medford, Rafaele Colella and his wife Frances of Bangor, ME, Ubaldo Colella and his wife Carolyn of Plainville, Louis Colella and his wife Susan of Saugus. Giovaninna is survived by 17 loving grandchildren and 17 loving great grandchildren. She was the sister of the late Gaetano, Romeo, Baldoino and Pernice, and is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Saturday, July 11, at 10 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner St., Medford, at 11 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday, July 10, from 4 through 8 PM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
As an expression of sympathy contributions may be sent in Giovaninna's name to the Alzheimer's Research Fund, c/o MGH Development Office, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 1310, Boston, MA 02114.