Concetta Cornacchione

Concetta Cornacchione was born in San Paolo di Civitate (Foggia) Italy on November 29, 1937.  She was the 3rd daughter of 6 children born to Gioina (Specchiulli)  and Michele D’Agruma during a time of unrest and poverty that eventually led to the second World War.  Growing up under hardship, she had a determined and persistent spirit from an early age. 

As a child, she would often observe a particular nun praying at their town church.  One day Concetta declared that she too would like to devote her life to serving God in this way, and she anticipated her parents would not object.  And so, at age 15, she left her home to study with a religious order from France. Concetta became Sister Gabriella, living her early adulthood as a nun and a nurse, serving in hospitals in France, Switzerland and Belgium. 

Jesus was always Concetta’s first love and will eternally be.  At the age of 30, she realized that she had entered the convent at too young of an age and before proper discernment.  She received a dispensation by the Pope and soon after found herself in Akron, Ohio, having traveled with her mother to help an ailing uncle who had emigrated here. 

In a short period of time she met Liberato Cornacchione. She often said she knew he was “the one” by his smile, his gentle manner and his talk of the importance of family.  In those days Liberato got teased for being in his 30’s and still not having settled down to start a family. His mother, ironically (or prophetically), would say he must be waiting for a nun to get out of the convent!

They married on September 5, 1970 and welcomed two children within the first two years of marriage, Fabiola and John Emilio.  Concetta devoted herself to loving and caring for them, helping Liberato in his business in many different roles.  She had not learned to cook until AFTER she was married, but learned well, passing on many simple, delicious recipes to her children and granddaughters.  Concetta was fluent in Italian, French, and soon English, and could write beautifully in all 3 languages.  

Concetta greatly valued family and faith. Her granddaughters were one of her greatest joys...she called them her "jewels".  Although human love has limits and imperfections, she attempted to live that love by prayer and generosity toward others. She prayed often and wanted everyone to know Jesus. She persistently spoke of and spread the message of The Divine Mercy even before it became officially celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church!  She liked to cook for, support and encourage priests in their education and calling to serve the people. 

Her faith never wavered through the physical limitations and trials brought on by Parkinson's Disease.  Even in times of great pain, she praised God's goodness, often speaking of the glorified body that Jesus would give her in heaven!  Her earthly body failed and she left to get her glorified body on the night of May 15, 2022.

Concetta was preceded in death by her husband, Liberato, just 11 months ago; her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Lucia (Belmonte) Carretta; brothers, Domenico D’Agruma, Antonio D’Agruma; sister-in-law, Giannina Pianalto; as well as many extended family members. She will be missed by her family, Fabiola and Raphael Vaccaro, John & Stephanie Cornacchione; granddaughters, Claudia, Isabella, Francesca & Cecilia Vaccaro, Natalie and Julia Cornacchione; sister, Nicoletta of Foggia, Italy; brother, Renato of Stow, OH.; brothers and sisters in-law, Francesco & Carmelina, Guido & Vincenza, Domenico & Theresa; many nieces, nephews and cousins in both the United States and Europe. 

The family wishes to express gratitude to Concetta’s special caregivers, Sniega, Beata, Linda, Terri, and Angela, who have become like family to her in the last year and a half. 

A special thank you goes out to Georgeann Benedict and the nurses on 5400 at Cleveland Clinic Akron General for their compassion and excellent care of mom in the last days of her life. 

Concetta's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, May 23rd at St. Hilary Catholic Church at 12:00 noon.  Family will receive friends in the church one hour before the beginning of Mass. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the St Hilary Parish Foundation and the charity closest to Concetta's heart, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago, IL.  www.mercyhome.org

Private interment will take place later at Holy Cross Cemetery

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