Antoinette LaGuardia Ricciardulli

AUSTINTOWN - Antoinette LaGuardia Ricciardulli passed away peacefully Friday morning, May 20, 2016, with her daughter, Donna, and her niece, Doris, at her side.

Antoinette, who was known to all as “Toni,” was born Feb. 7, 1927, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Rocco and Antoinette Todero LaGuardia. She was raised on Federal Street and grew up in the Brier Hill neighborhood of Youngstown.

Toni attended Tod School and was a 1945 graduate of The Rayen School, and she later served as co-chairperson of The Rayen Class of 1945 Alumni Reunion.

She earned a diploma from the Choffin School of Nursing and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Northside Hospital Tod’s Children & Babies Unit for over 20 years, retiring in 1982. She maintained close relationships with many of her nursing colleagues after retirement. 

A very active and social person, Toni belonged to the local chapter of District No. 1199 Nurse Retirees, the Howland Red Hatters “Crimson & Roses,” and the Red Hatters “Lunch Bunch.” Toni was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Senior Citizens group, the Retired Eagles Activity Club, Aerie No. 3298, and was a member of the Austintown Senior Center. She belonged to the St. Joseph Church Golden Agers, the Mahoning Valley Ulster Project, and was a past-member of AARP No. 4339. Toni also was a member of the Senior Independence Center of Mahoning County, the Senior Circle at Northside Hospital, and was a season tickerholder with the Monday Musical Club at Stambaugh Auditorium.

Toni was very proud of her Italian heritage, and was a kind and compassionate lady and a dedicated nurse, who treated everyone with respect.

She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Donna, of Pittsburgh, Pa., along with her nieces and nephews, and many, many dear friends.

Toni was preceded in death by her four brothers, James, Sal, John, and Bill; her two sisters, Mary Inhouse and Irene Fadell; and her former husband, Dominick Ricciardulli.

“Mom,” who was highly thought of by others, was a loving and wonderful mother, a sweet lady and a kind soul who loved everyone and enjoyed life. She had a full life and she loved to laugh. We will miss her beautiful smile and will take comfort in knowing she received loving care from her daughter, Donna, and knowing she is now with her daughter, Deanna, who passed away in 1968.

Toni always took great pride in her daughter, Donna, and in her daughter’s accomplishments. She enjoyed traveling, dancing, attending Italian festivals and the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, and being together with Donna and her friend, Sandy.

Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 24, and from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 25, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

In celebration of Toni’s life, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday at St. Anthony of Padua Church on Turin Avenue in the Brier Hill neighborhood of Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael Cariglio officiating.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.