Edythe Ricciuti

CHESHIRE - Edythe Diorio Ricciuti, the widow of Louis D. Ricciuti of Cheshire, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2010. Mrs. Ricciuti and her husband were co-owners of the original Waverly Inn, where Mrs. Ricciuti was remembered well, as a gracious and welcoming principal of the Waverly.

Mrs. Rucciuti was born October 1, 1904 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late Anthony R. and Giacinta (Iannetto) Diorio. Mrs. Ricciuti was a 1922 honor graduate of Perry Secretarial School & Law Office Practice. She was honored as most successful career woman of her class.

She was the last surviving member and co-founder of the Coronas Club of Waterbury, serving two years as its treasurer.

Under the pastorate of the late Reverend Michael J. Lynch, she headed committees for the fundraising of the then new Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church of Waterbury, where she was a soloist in the choir.

In December of 1937, upon the untimely death of Emma L. Diorio, wife of the late Rocco A. Diorio, Edythe and her husband, Louis were summoned to Cheshire to assist Rocco in the management of the Waverly Inn in Cheshire, until its sale in 1959. Edythe was well-known for her arrangements of fresh flowers, many grown in her own gardens. Her signature creations were displayed in the Cloisonne bowl in the lobby of the Inn. She was also instrumental in the purchase of Waterford Crystal chandeliers and crystal sconces, as well as antiques from the Grand Union Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York, after the original Waverly suffered a devastating fire in February 1952. The newly rebuilt Waverly was opened in October 1952.

During the late 1950's, Edythe assisted her husband on the building committee for the new St. Bridget Church and Parish School.

Edythe is survived by her daughter, Jean Emily Penta, and her husband, Albert M. Penta; her son, Louis A. Ricciuti, and his wife, Mary Ann (Fazzone) Ricciuti; twelve loving, faithful and loyal grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Edythe was predeceased by her daughter, Edythe C. Hallinan; her brother, Rocco Diorio and her six sisters.

Arrangements - Funeral Services will be held on Thursday November 18, 2010 9:15 from the Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. Main St. to St. Bridget Church for Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Bridget Church and Parish School, 175 Main St., Cheshire, 06410 or to Southington Care Center, 45 Meriden Ave., Southington, 06489.