Michelina (Stento) DiRado

Michelina DiRado, 85, of Binghamton, NY passed into the arms of her Lord on June 3, 2025.  She left this world suddenly but peacefully, looking forward to a day of cooking for her church with friends—a testament to a life lived with joy and generosity.  She was born in Casacanditella, Abruzzo, Italy to the late Piacentina and Enrico Stento.  She grew up in Italy, arriving in her second home, America, with her family in 1955.  She was predeceased by her loving husband of 66 years, Francesco, parents, brother Ralph Stento, sister Rosetta Tuttle, brothers-in-law Samuele, Armando, and Ettore DiRado, and sisters-in-law Maria D’Amore and Maria DiRado.  She is survived by her beloved daughters Antoinette, Linda, and Rita (Jeff Thorn), cherished grandchildren Alexander and Carolyn Schaefer, brothers-in-law Joe Tuttle and Camillo DiRado, sisters-in-law Annette Stento, Antonietta, Malfisa, and Mary Ann DiRado, brother-in-law Roberto D'Amore, and numerous loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  A devoted member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, she dedicated her time wholeheartedly by volunteering at the soup kitchen, managing the pizza fritta booth at the annual church bazaar, and serving in countless other ways throughout the years.  She was also a member of the Women’s Abruzzese Club and the Sons of Italy.  She worked at several local Italian restaurants.  Food was at the heart of how she expressed love, whether preparing meals or baking for her loved ones, sharing her cooking techniques and treasured recipes, or hosting holidays and gatherings.  She reigned supreme in the kitchen and cooked with a skill and spirit that was truly unmatched.  She also enjoyed coffee parties with friends, took pride in being an avid reader and daily walker, and had a deep appreciation for all types of beautiful flowers.  With a knack for storytelling, she delighted in sharing laughs and heartfelt tributes from earlier times.  Michelina was truly one of a kind, a vibrant spirit whose vivacious, captivating personality touched the lives of many.  Deeply loving and deeply loved, she was a special soul who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.  
Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 37 Fayette Street, Binghamton, NY, with visitation beginning at 8:30AM followed by a funeral mass at 10:00AM, then an entombment at Calvary Cemetery in Johnson City, NY.  Arrangements are in the care of the Albert J. DeMarco with Thomas J. Shea Funeral Home, Inc.

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