Obituary of Nicolina LoRusso

In Loving Memory of Nicolina LoRusso née DeBellis With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished Nicolina, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world on January 5th, 2024, enveloped by the love of her family. Known affectionately as Nonna or Mamma LoRusso, she radiated love and warmth to all around her. Nicolina will be reunited in heaven with her infant son John, her husband Domenico, and her beautiful granddaughter Rebecca Alessandra. Her life was a testament to resilience and strength, a journey of trials and victories. Nicolina’s life was shaped by extraordinary circumstances. Born in Frosinone, Italy she and her family moved to Libya in 1939 as part of the Italian colonization. During the Summer of 1940, at the tender age of four, Nicolina was the youngest among 13,000 Italo – Libyan children taken from their families to repatriate to Italy. The confusion and distress of a young child separated from her family lingered even after she was reunited with them at the age of 12. The traumas faced by these 13,000 children remained untold until 2012, when her dear friend, Grazia Arnese Grimaldi, brought their story to light. These experiences molded Nicolina's character - she embodied strength tempered with gentleness and kindness that touched everyone she met. She was universally described as a sweet woman. As a teenager, Nicolina lived in a refugee camp in Altamura, Bari where she met Domenico. They married when she was 18. They later moved to America and Nicolina found a home in the boroughs of New York City. She lived over 50 years in Forest Hills, Queens, where she raised her six children. Nicolina epitomized the roles of mother and grandmother. She was a nurturing soul who devoted herself to God, placing all her faith and trust in Him. Her legacy of love will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her, and her absence will be deeply felt. To her family, and all who met her, she was a role model of love and goodness, a beacon of hope and resilience. She leaves behind her six children: Leonardo (Tzvia) LoRusso, Antonio, Maria (Jamil) DeCarvalho, Marcello LoRusso, Rosanna (Vincenzo) Marks/Cucco, and Adriana (Tom) Vitale; ten grandchildren: Gabriella, Rachel, Marco, Aria, Massimo, Tristan, Alessia, Isabella, Christian, and Natalie; a great-granddaughter, Gianna; a sister Giustina (Joe) Cortina; a brother Frank (Mary) DeBellis; nieces, nephews, and the many people who she embraced as part of her family. Her love for her family was immense, and she never missed an opportunity to express it. Her greatest joy was seeing her family together. Her capacity for love extended beyond her immediate family. For 20 years, she sponsored a child in need, following her progress with the pride and joy akin to a mother's. Her love knew no bounds, and her kindness left an indelible impact on many lives. Her memory will continue to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the power of love, faith, and resilience. May her soul rest in eternal peace. If you wish to donate on behalf of Nicolina, please consider the Padre Pio Foundation, Unbound, and Our Lady of Mercy Church.