Mary Ann (Aiello) Petitta

Petitta, Mary Ann (Aiello), Peacefully, held by loved ones, Thursday, January 5, 2023, devoted wife of the late Domenic Petitta and daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine Aiello; loving sister of Elizabeth Oberst, and the late Anthony Aiello, and the late Isabell (late George) Sestrich.  Adored Mamma to Domenic (Pamela), Kristen (Ron) Frankovich, and Michael.  Beloved Nana to Domenic (Janelle), Isabella (Mike), Massimo, Enzo, Roman Frankovich, Dominic Porco, and  Tristian Price (Addy), Aurora, and Max.  Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends that were considered family, both here and Italy.

Mary Ann lived a very full life packed with friendships, love, and laughter.  Growing up on the Northside of Pittsburgh, she attended Perpetual Help Grade School, Mount Assisi High School, and then continued her education with Point Park University and licensed to work for Scioscia OBGYN group.  It was during this time that she was swept off her feet at the West View Dance Land by her soon-to-be husband, then married in St. Leo's Church.  Following her marriage and medical career, Mary Ann became a dedicated full-time mother to her three children.  She filled  her days with baking and cooking as a favorite pastime and surrounded herself by family and friends constantly.  Mary Ann became an essential part of her Brighton Heights community by volunteering with the St. Cyril of Alexandria school and parish, becoming a Lady of Charity, and overseeing the parish foodbank for 30 + years.  Although her time was taxed with office work for her husband's businesses, Ohio River Auto Body and Domenic Motors, Ltd., Mary Ann still found the time to love and care for so many people, even those she didn't know.  Often referred to as "one of the kindest people I ever met," Mary Ann made it her mission to help anyone in need.  Widowed young, she continued to lead her family as one of the strongest matriarchs  and remained a solid fixture in her children's lives.  Upheld by her children and grandchildren, Mary Ann fought a very hard battle with various cancers for the past 8 years.    A silent warrior, she battled through her  fight rarely complaining and remained a true comedian, smiling through the pain, singing whenever possible, sharing the dinner table with her loved ones, and whole-heartily cheering on Steeler Sundays with pup-pup on her lap.  She was tenderly cared for by her children and grandchildren with ease, as she  had modeled nothing but pure love for them all of their years.  Mary Ann exited this world leaving so many cherished memories and traditions forever engraved in her family's hearts and actions.  With great peace it is embraced that she is now with God, no longer suffering, and in her beloved Domenic's arms once again.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Prashan Thiagarajah, Dr. Gallon, Dr. Mao, AHN Oncology, AHN Palliative Care, the Vincentian Home staff, Louisa Rees, her friends, and Z-Trip, who tended to her so caringly that they collectively gifted  her family several more years of love, laughter, celebrations, songs, and hugs.  We are still in awe at the love received by the Vincentian Home staff where she was nick-named Petunia and treated as if she was their Mamma and the Bridges Hospice team who delivered care and loving support to both her and the family when it was needed most.

Friends will be received Friday 3-7 p.m. at the Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc., 3552 California Avenue at Davis Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA  15212. Mass of Christian burial will celebrated  at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Christ Our Savior, St. Cyril of Alexandria Church, 3854 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA   15212.

Because Mary Ann loved the activities that were provided at the Vincentian Home, we are suggesting contributions be made to the Vincentian Home, Life Enrichment, so that the activities she so enjoyed can continue in her memory.  Please include Mary Ann's name on the donation so that it is appropriately applied to activities.   https://vcs.org/donate-now/