Italo P. Rastelli
July 21, 1934 - February 08, 2022
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Obituary For Italo P. Rastelli
Funeral Liturgy for Italo Rastelli can be viewed by clicking here
Mr. Italo Patsy Rastelli, 87, of Raleigh, NC, died on February 8, 2022, after a tiring battle with cancer and congestive heart failure. He was born in Paulsboro, NJ, on July 21, 1934, son of the late Domenic and Beatrice Rastelli.
Italo attended school within the Gloucester County Public Schools system. After graduating from Paulsboro High School, he joined the United States Air Force in 1952 during the Korean War and was stationed in Sculthorpe, England, for 3-1/2 years. Italo enjoyed military life and planned on making it his career. His service was unexpectedly cut short, however, due to his father’s death. As was customary during that era, as the oldest unmarried son in his family, Italo returned home to Paulsboro to take care of his widowed mother and younger siblings. It was during this time that he was hired by IBM. It was also during this time when Italo met Isabella Angela Tosti. Their first date was in 1956 to see the movie “High Society” starring Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby. Italo and Isabella were married on September 6, 1958, at St. John’s Catholic Church in their hometown of Paulsboro, NJ. They would go on to have 3 children together, Michele, Paul, and Matthew, and 2 grandchildren, Helena and Celia. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year.
Italo enjoyed an IBM career of 38 years, starting as a computer programmer and progressing to various managerial positions at several locations in South Jersey and the greater metropolitan Philadelphia area; Kingston, NY; and Raleigh, NC. It was during his years in Upstate New York that Italo would attend SUNY New Paltz, as a night student, to earn a degree in business. As Italo liked to say, “I’m just a South Jersey boy, trying to make a living.”
The highlight of Italo’s career was an assignment in Rome, Italy, from 1991-1994. While living in Rome, Italo and Isabella reconnected with their Italian relatives that both sets of parents had left behind in the 1920’s when they emigrated from Italy to America. This was a marvelous time in their lives when they enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and Italy, spending most of their free time with their beloved Italian relatives; some who lived in Rome, and others in the Abruzzo, Tuscany, and Marche regions. Their children, along with many other family members from America, enjoyed multiple trips visiting Italo and Isabella and forging new ties with their Italian family and heritage – ties that Italo had created, together with Isabella. Family members on both sides of the Atlantic are forever grateful.
Italo’s favorite past times included golfing, yard work, and watching sports, whether professional or collegiate. He enjoyed all sports, but he liked football the best. His favorite professional football team was the Philadelphia Eagles (as he was a season ticket holder for many years), and his favorite college football team was the University of Notre Dame. He was also a big fan of Duke University basketball and Coach K.
Italo was an active participant in each of the Catholic churches he attended. He joined the Catholic fraternal organization, the Knights of Columbus, at the age of 23 and became a 4th degree Knight. He was a lector at mass, a Eucharistic minister, and involved in numerous ministries. It wasn’t unusual for Italo (and Isabella) to invite new church members into their home for Easter or Thanksgiving if they didn’t have family or friends in the area; and Italo was always there to help family or friends in times of need.
In his later years, Italo was a loving and devoted grandfather to his 2 granddaughters, Helena and Celia Boyd. Together with Isabella, Italo made it a priority to visit them often in Northern Virginia and hosted them for many wonderful visits in North Carolina. He called them frequently, always checking on how they were doing in school, as their education was very important to him. He loved both girls very much, as they loved him.
Italo was preceded in death by his son, Paul Domenic; sisters, Lillie (William) Truex and Dora (Alex) Croce; and brother, John (Martha) Rastelli. He is survived by his spouse, Isabella; daughter, Michele (Rich) Boyd of Gainesville, VA; son Matthew (Leslie) Rastelli of Raleigh, NC; and 2 grandchildren, Helena and Celia Boyd. He is also survived by 3 siblings, Anthony (Judy) Rastelli, Jean Wachter, and Rita Gallagher; many nieces, nephews, and cousins both in America and Italy, and countless friends.
A Catholic mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at St. Francis of Assisi Church located at 11401 Leesville Rd., Raleigh, NC. A military service tribute will be held immediately afterwards outdoors. Family and friends are welcome to a gathering with lunch and refreshments after the mass and military tribute at Capital Oaks Retirement Resort located at 6498 Ray Road in Raleigh.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Italo to the American Cancer Society, at: Click here for the American Cancer Society website.
Services
Interment
Mass
11:00 AM
Reception
01:00 PM
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Condolences
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February 21, 2022
Sending special thoughts your way from my Mother's family - the Carson's of Paulsboro/Billingsport. Mom knew Lil & family over the years. (Ethel Carson Ridinger) passed Nov. but spoke of everyone with good memories. Forever Loved - Forever Remembered.
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February 18, 2022
Look back at your recent Italy pictures with joy and be happy for those extra last years you got with him. Losing a parent is not easy, but you have beautiful memories and Helena and Celia got to know him well. (I also didn't know he loved Notre Dame football!). Hugs! Monika, Lou, Erik and Nick
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February 15, 2022
Dear Isabella, Michele, Matthew and family, My heart is broken. I cried through the Mass, it was so beautiful. Who will I talk to about sports and politics and life? I always felt your love and how you truly cared about us. Give Arlene and Mom and Pop a special kiss for me. Rest in Peace sweet Prince.
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February 15, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Aunt Isabella, Matthew, Michele and the family on the passing of Uncle Italo. Many childhood memories of our families together, and I hope during this sad time you are comforted with time shared together and memories that endure. Love, Michael, Jessica, Luke and Norah Tosti
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February 15, 2022
Cari zia Isabella, Michele and Matthew we are so sad for the loss of zio Italo. We had lot of memories with him during his two years in Italy and we will never forgive them. He will be always in our heart. Ciao zio Italo ricorderemo sempre la tua bellissima risata e il tuo sigaro. Love you. Wilma, Rivo, Andrea, Lara, Luca, Marco e Andrea
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February 15, 2022
Aunt Isabella, Michele (note the spelling) and Rich, Helena and Celia, Matthew and Leslie: I believe Uncle Italo has earned his rest. With a full life overflowing with caring for others, being a character, teasing (I learned so much about teasing from him — if it was an Olympic sport, he'd win the gold), retina burning videos, playing golf, taking us around Abruzzo and Rome, changing his address in Woodstock, throwing us in the pool, the distinctive walk — the list goes on. We will miss you but are happy that you are better now. Rest In Peace, favorite uncle. Celine, Martin, and Patrick
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February 15, 2022
Dear Michele, Sending you and your family my love, my prayers, and my condolences. Jacinto Juarez (CBP)
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February 15, 2022
Carissima Zia Isabella, carissimi Michele, Matthew e famiglie. We are grieved for the loss of Zio Italo; he was like a bridge across the two sides of the ocean. We remain united, with so many rememberings, memories that can not be cancelled and that will be passed to the generations to come. Today we are there with you, arm in arm; may our hug reach you all, strong and warm more than ever. Ciao zio, riposa in pace. Enrico, Giulia, Carla, Claudio, Elisa, Anna Chiara and Margherita
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February 14, 2022
Michele and Family, Sending prayers and condolences during this time. Sincerely, Johnna French, CBP colleague
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February 14, 2022
Dear lsabella and family..so sorry to hear of Italo's passing. Hank and I have obtained a perpetual Mass card for Italo from the Franciscan Father's.
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February 14, 2022
Dear Aunt Isabella, Michele, Matthew, and Grandchildren. When I think of Uncle Italo, I remember his laugh most of all. He loved to tease our dad, and the inevitable response was always, "Italo, you are an itch." Uncle Italo would then just laugh louder and harder and give us that impish grin. He loved his family and there will be a hole in my heart, but the memories will remain. Peace and love to you all. Love, Niece and cousin, Jeannie, and Bill"
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February 13, 2022
Dearest Aunt Isabella, Michele, Matthew and families, we will miss the love, attention, and laughter that Uncle Italo blessed us with on his trips to NJ! He was like a father to many (especially me). He was a man of God and is now at peace and resting in the arms of those who have gone before him. So sorry for your loss. Love, Janice, Bob and family
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February 13, 2022
One of so many memories that we ALL share is Uncle with his state of the art technology taking home movies at holidays with lights that would blind us so that in the actual finished movie, our faces are so scrunched up, we don't quite appear as though we are having any fun...which of course we ALWAYS were! Uncle, you will not need those blinding lights in heaven because your light is bright enough to bring joy to all those who have gone before and are waiting for you and bright enough to live on in the hearts of those you leave behind. I thank God for you and Aunt Isabella being so much a part of our lives...you are a gift to this family. God Bless you. Give everyone in heaven a hug from all of us who had to sit at the "kids" table in the kitchen. I love you. ~Julia
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February 12, 2022
So sorry and sending our love and hugs! Joan & Clint Beyer
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February 12, 2022
Such a sweet and holy man of God. So sorry. Love and hugs Joan & Clint.
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February 11, 2022
You are loved and will be missed. William & Marta
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February 11, 2022
Dr. Hemphill, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending much love and prayers to you and your family. Victoria Hood-Wells, ETSU Sevierville
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