Maria Rachele (Chioccariello) Di Pietro (Lina) passed away peacefully at her home, in the care of her loving family, on Christmas Eve. She was 90. Born and raised in Pianopantano, Mirabella, Eclano, Avellino, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Vincenzo and Antonetta (Rossetti) Chioccariello.
Lina and her late husband, Felice, came to the United States in the early 1970s, chasing the dream of a better life for their family. They began their new chapter in Boston’s North End, where Lina’s strength, talent, and determination helped build the foundation for the life they would create together in America. Through hard work and perseverance, Lina and Felice bought a home in Medford—a place that became the heart of family gatherings and countless cherished memories.
A gifted seamstress with extraordinary skill, Lina worked for Boston’s renowned fashion houses, Forecaster and Priscilla of Boston. She shared her gift with her family by lovingly crafting communion dresses, homemade dolls, ornaments, and so much more for those dearest to her. Lina’s home overflowed with the warmth of her cooking, from handmade pasta and pizza to struffoli, zeppole, and fried dough. The kitchen was her happy place—the center of the family—where love was measured in laughter and shared meals. When Lina wasn’t sewing or cooking, she tended to her garden, nurturing flowers and vegetables. Wherever she went, Lina made friends easily—neighbors, doctors, even passing puppies—drawn in by her kindness and laughter.
The beloved wife of the late Felice Di Pietro, Lina was a devoted mother to Carmine Di Pietro and his wife Deborah of Watertown, CT; Alessandra Pereira and her husband Manuel of Tewksbury; and Maria Antonietta Martinez and her husband Jorge of Malden. She was a loving Nonna to Monica and her husband Christopher; Carmine (CJ); Natasha and her husband Yehonatan; Nadia and her husband Jonathan; Jorge and Daniela Martinez. She was a loving Bisnonna to Thomas, Kayleigh, Christopher, Eliana, and Matteo.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Saturday December 27 from 8:30 - 9:30 followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St. Medford at 10 AM. Services will conclude with entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Chapel Hill Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Maria's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memorials Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.