Maddalena (Gargano) Guarracino of Tewksbury passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on October 24, 2025. She was 86 years of age. Maddalena was the beloved wife of the late Alfonso Guarracino, with whom she shared over 50 years of marriage. Born in Albanella, Italy, she was one of seven children of the late Giuseppe Gargano and Filomena Cuoco.
Maddalena was born and educated in Albanella, Italy. As a young woman, she apprenticed and worked as a seamstress for several years before marrying. After briefly living in Germany, she and Alfonso returned to Italy and had two daughters before immigrating to the United States in 1972, settling in Woburn, where they welcomed their third daughter.
Her home was always the center of activity, where friends and family were warmly welcomed. Cooking for her family was a source of great joy, and holidays were celebrated with traditional Italian confections and customs. In her leisure time, she enjoyed tending to her summer garden, especially her lilies, roses, and dahlias. A master of knitting and crocheting beautiful designs, she was proud to be the family seamstress—always quick to help in a pinch. As a true coffee connoisseur, she introduced her grandchildren to the love of caffè before they could even walk.
Her talents were boundless, but spending time with family and caring for her grandchildren was her greatest joy. Maddalena will be fondly remembered for her compassion, thoughtfulness, and genuine love and care for all. She was steadfast in giving more than she received, always proclaiming that others needed it more than she did. For this, and so much more, she will be deeply missed.
Maddalena is survived by her devoted daughters: Maria Paone and her husband Vittorio of Tewksbury; Cynthia Tramonte and her husband Mark of Tewksbury; and Roberta Butkovich and her husband Chris of Tyngsborough. She was the loving Nonna of Erika and Alessandro Paone, Matthew Tramonte, and Gianluca and Massimiliano Butkovich. Cherished sister of Vincenzo Gargano of Germany, and the late Rosa, Giovanna, Marianna, Michela, and Bruno Gargano, all of Italy. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, near and far.
Funeral services will be held from the McLaughlin – Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, on Thursday, October 30th, at 10 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Charles Borromeo Church, 280 Main St., Woburn, at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours at the McLaughlin – Dello Russo Funeral Home will be held on Wednesday, October 29th, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Services will conclude with burial at West Parish Garden Cemetery, Andover.