Leonilda Pagliaro

Leonilda "Lee" Pagliaro, 96, of Johnston, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 19, 2018 surrounded by her family.  Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Nicola and Angelina (Iacovino) Rossi, and the loving wife of the late Nicholas Pagliaro for 67 years. Their love was like no other. As a civilian during World War II, Mrs. Pagliaro worked for the Signal Corp in Washington DC, then for the Air Force at Fields Point in Providence. She was a member of the Rhode Island Historical Society and Save the Bay and said prayers for those in need through the St. Helena's Intercessors Prayer Line at Holy Cross Parish.  She loved the ocean, music and dancing and was a great admirer of the late, great Frank Sinatra. A stylish lady, Mrs. Pagliaro was known for sharp outfits, her Burberry hat and scarves, and polished nails. She is survived and missed by her four sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald and Deborah, Nicholas and Susan, Bernard and Mary, and Michael and Cindy; and a daughter Claudia and son-in-law John Callahan.  She was the beloved grandmother of five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Pagliaro is also survived by her brother, Carmino Rossi.  She was the sister of the late Alda Spirito and Dottie Amaral. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 10 a.m. in Holy Cross Church, 18 King Philip St., Providence.  Graveside Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.  Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.  In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to: Rhode Island Historical Society, 110 Benevolent St., Providence, RI  02906.