Giovanna Apadula

Giovanna (DiRuccio) Apadula passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home of 53 years on August 24 at the age of 89. Unconditionally devoted wife of 60 years to the late Cosimo and unwaveringly loving mother (“Mamma”) to Anna Lucia (Billy), Patty (Nick), the late Rosalia, Nino (Danielle), and Donny (Stephanie).

Giovanna was the grandmother to 12 grandchildren, many of whom took their first steps and experienced their earliest memories in her beautifully kept home in South Philadelphia. The late Nicole, Nicolas (Rebecca), Giovanna, Danielle (Jeff), William, Nicole (Matthew), Santino, Mia, Nina, Dario, Donato, and Adrian as well as great-grandchildren Jeffrey, Brielle, Desmond, Elizabeth, and Geno will dearly miss their Mamma.

Giovanna was born in Salerno, Italy. There, she met, married, and started her family with Cosimo. When they moved to the United States, they made sure to preserve many of their traditions while embracing American life, including opening and running a tailor shop in their own neighborhood. Throughout their marriage, Giovanna and Cosimo often hosted Italian relatives at their home. They also made many trips back to the “Bel Paese,” particularly their hometown, Acerno, in which they were extremely proud. Giovanna, who was born into a family of several daughters and a son, is survived by her younger sister Lillina. She will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, and cousins both in Italy and the United States, as well as her caretaker Elena Hernandez.

Giovanna will be remembered for her delicious homemade meals, unlimited kindness and generosity, and effortless resilience. Anyone who entered her house always left having had a hearty bowl of pasta with homemade gravy and having felt an indisputable sense of belonging. She expressed gratitude for her life daily, which is what her family will carry forward as her legacy.

Friends and family are invited to attend her viewing on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 9 - 10am at St. Monica Church 17th and Ritner St. Funeral Mass will follow 10AM.  Entombment New St. Mary Cemetery. To View The Mass Virtually Please Click on The Following Link 12 Noon Tuesday U.S. Eastern Standard Time : https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4827633588