Pasqualina Ann (Scibelli) Camerota, 82, known as “Patty” by her beloved friends and family, passed awayon January 16, 2021. An adored wife, mother, and “Meme,” Patty brought joy and charm everywhere she went. As those who love her know, Patty’s boisterous laugh preceded her and was extraordinarily contagious.
Patty was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, February 3, 1938; daughter of the late Rizziero and Frances (Sarno) Scibelli.
As a young adult, she graduated from Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee, Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. On June 20, 1959, Patty married her beloved, Ciro “Jerry” Camerota. Together, they moved to Longmeadow, Massachusetts, where they raised their son Richard and created years of beautiful memories with their family.
Patty was madly in love with her husband, despite their infamous first date...attempt. Excited by the idea of spending time together, Jerry called Patty to ask her out on a hiking excursion. Patty, absolutely appalled by the suggestion, promptly hung up. While ultimately, they would be lovingly married for 61 years, Patty’s heart was also loyal to a few others: Louis Vuitton, Coach, Gucci, and Fendi. A true fashionista, Patty worshipped the art of fashion, and was devoted to keeping up on the latest trends. She will also be remembered as a mean bingo and poker player, as she thoroughly enjoyed playing every week with her girlfriends at The Wellington at Springfield.
Throughout her life, Patty was a passionate educator, and took great pride in empowering her students, while also forming lasting bonds with other faculty members. She retired after decades of teaching at the Massachusetts Career Development Institute (MCDI). She was also a proud member of the Italian Women’s Club of Greater Springfield for over 50 years, devoting much of her time leading the group in keeping the traditions of her heritage alive in the community.
In addition to her dear husband Jerry, Patty is survived by her son Richard, her daughter-in-law Josephine, her grandson Richard and his wife Lindsey and their son Leonardo, her granddaughter Catherine and her partner Josh Asmus, her granddaughter Patricia, her cousin Dianne (Dellatorre) Stevens and her husband Richard Stevens, her cousin Geri Basile, her many beloved cousins from the Scibelli family, her life-long friends Debbie and Fred Berbig of Florida, and her cherished friends at The Wellington at Springfield and Bluebird Estates in East Longmeadow.
The family would like to thank Emma Burke and the staff at the Wellington at Springfield for their dedication to creating a safe and loving environment for Patty and Jerry to call home. The family would also like to thank Tania M. Barber and the staff at the Caring Health Center for their unconditional support and care for Patty and Jerry.
Patty's funeral services were private.
Donations in her name can be made to the Caring Health Center of Springfield, located at 1049 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.