05/04/2016

Obituary for Erminia Theresa "Mommy Erma" (Lazzari) Mitolo

Grandmother of Chelsey Santucci, owner of Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 381 Robbins Ave., Niles, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio Jr. as celebrant and concelebrants Chorbishop Michael Kail, Very Rev. Msgr. Anthony Spinosa and Father John Trimbur, preceded by a 9:10 am prayer service held at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Rd. N.E., Warren, for Erminia Theresa “Mommy Erma”, “Erma” (Lazzari) Mitolo, 82, of Howland, who peacefully passed away on Sunday evening May 1, 2016 with her loving family by her bedside. 

Erma will live in the hearts everyone that knew her. She led by example and her characteristics of a strong faith in God, family and caring showed in everything she has did. She would always say “It’s in God’s hands and whatever is meant to be will happen”. Mommy Erma was a woman of pure strength and courage during her illness along with that unforgettable smile and humbleness that always radiated. She never would say a bad word or thought against anyone no matter 
what the situation was. 

Erma was born October 25, 1933 in Niles, Ohio the daughter of Samuel “Sam” and Josephine (Nicastro) Lazzari and was a lifelong area resident. 

Erma was a graduate of Niles McKinley High School and then was employed at Miracle Market as the head bookkeeper until she met the love of her life, her husband Jim. Once they were married she took on her main role as a homemaker and the matriarch of the family. Throughout their lives she took that role very seriously by not only raising her own family but was a caregiver to her father-in-law and then her own mother and father. 

There was nothing that brought her greater joy then cooking and spending time with her family. Mommy Erma was an outstanding cook and baker. She was known for her wedding soup, homemade pastas, the traditional Christmas Eve fish dinners and her renowned brownies just to mention a few of the Italian dishes she prepared. 

She was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Niles. 

Erma also enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved those evenings of playing cards with Aunt Angie and Aunt Carrie, doing word searches and scratching off lottery tickets. Mommy Erma may have been tough with some aspects but her love for animals was abundant. Her husband James J. “Pa Jim” Mitolo whom she married June 20, 1953 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel; Church passed away unexpectedly July 22, 2007. 

She leaves behind to hold onto her precious memories her son James “Jim” S. Mitolo and his wife Pamela “Pam”, a daughter Elizabeth “Lisa” Santucci, her four grandchildren whom she adored Chelsey N. Santucci with whom she made her home, Elizabeth Mitolo, James “Jimmy” Mitolo and Jamie Marie Santucci, her beloved two dogs Loui and Mario and a very special Godson Dr. Joseph Martin wife Kristen whom she was so proud of and loved. 

Besides her parents and husband, Erma was preceded in death by an infant brother Edward two brother-in-law’s Rev. Msgr. Nicholas Mitolo and Rocco “Rocky” Mitolo. 

Friends may call on Friday from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel, 1884 North Rd. N.E., Warren where the Prayers of Incense Prayer Service will be held at 6:40 pm. 

Burial will take place at Niles City Cemetery, Niles, where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband James. 

Erma’s family would like to especially thank St. Elizabeth Hospital 6th floor nurses and staff, Dr. David Hoffman, and the entire staff of the Hospice House for all the care and compassion along with all they have done to help us through this difficult time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Peter Rossi & Son Memorial Chapel and the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, Boardman. 

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary,sign the guest book and send condolences to the Mitolo Family.

“Mommy Erma we your family Thank You for the time we had and appreciate all you did and taught us and until we see you again We Love You!”