Velia Spallone, 88, of Milford, MA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Known affectionately as “Nonna” to her family, friends, and patrons, Velia Andreano was born on March 3, 1936, in Casalvecchio, a small village in the Province of Foggia, Puglia, Southern Italy. She was the cherished daughter of Noe Andreano and Giuseppina D’Salvia.
On October 31, 1960, Velia married Umberto Spallone in Castelnuovo della Duania. Together, they embarked on a new chapter, immigrating to the United States in 1964 with their young son, Joseph, a few coins in their pockets, and only the clothes on their backs—seeking a brighter future for their growing family. After years of hard work, fierce determination, and moments of homesickness, they established Spallone & Son Menswear and Tailoring on Main Street in Milford, which remains a family-owned and operated business to this day. Her passing also marks 26 years, to the day, since the passing of her beloved Umberto, on December 1, 1998.
In the rare moments Velia wasn’t sewing in the family’s first-floor storefront, she could often be found in her upstairs apartment, where she led a life deeply rooted in faith. Devout in her faith, she began and ended each day with prayer. As she once humorously said, “I have a very close relationship with God. We talk all the time.” What truly brought her joy, however, was cooking for and with her family. Scarcely a Sunday afternoon passed without a pot of fresh tomato sauce simmering on the stove. Though her kitchen was small, there was always room for one more at her table. Her kitchen was the heart of the house, where delicious meals were always prepared with love, and where countless cherished memories were made. The aroma of her cooking will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to share in her meals.
Velia’s memory will be cherished by her son, Joseph Spallone; her daughter, Rosalie Morrison; her son-in-law, Patrick Morrison; her grandchildren, Michela and Nicholas Morrison, along with their respective partners, Adam Salmon and Kayla Ebner; her sister and brother-in-law, Lucia and Vincenzo D’Aloia; her siblings in Italy, Gianni and Giovanna; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends, all of whom Velia considered family. Though she may have left us, the lessons she taught us—how to be bold, how to work hard, and how to love with all of your heart—will continue to guide us. Velia leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and strength that will never be forgotten.
The funeral will be held Friday, December 6, 2024 at 9 A.M. from the Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home 46 Water St. followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 A.M. at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 5 East Main St. Milford MA. The burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4 to 8 P.M.
