Lucia Maria (Furno) Biondo

Lucia Maria (Furno) Biondo, 86, passed away peacefully at the home she loved in Fairfield, Ohio, on Saturday, September 26th, 2020 at 1:25 pm. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and devoted husband of 66 years.

Lucia was born on October 15, 1933, in San Antonio, Barcellona, Sicily. She was the daughter of Angelo and Nunziata (Licari) Furno, the oldest of four children, (Lucia, Rita, Rosita, and Nino). Her future husband, Anthony (Tony), also lived in the same town, on the same block, when they were both children in Sicily. They never imagined that years later they would marry in another country and raise a family in yet another. While living in Italy, she learned many coveted skills from her mother, especially sewing and cooking. In 1951, she and her family left the war-ravaged countryside to start a new life in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Not by coincidence but rather God’s design, so did her childhood neighbor, Anthony, where they reunited as young adults. So began their love story. They dated in Argentina, and in 1954 on her 21st birthday, they became husband and wife. In 1957, once granted permission to enter the United States, the young couple immigrated to Hamilton, Ohio, where her brother-in-law, John Biondo, lived. It was here that they started their family, later moving to Fairfield where she lived out her life. Her faith and family were her greatest joys.

As a young wife and mother, Lucia was a very talented seamstress doing alterations and making clothes in her spare time. She loved to cook incredible homemade Italian food for her family and friends, and those family and friends loved that she loved to cook all her homemade Italian food, too! Friends and neighbors coincidentally seemed to visit our home right around dinner time! But there was always plenty of food for everyone. The minute anyone walked in the door, her first question to them would be, “Are you hungry?” This was one of the many ways she showed her love. Nothing gave her more joy than caring for others.

Lucia was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife, and friend. She lovingly doted on her family and was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren, especially at the dinner table. Sundays were for homemade pasta dinners after Mass. She never missed going to church as her strong Catholic faith was at the forefront of her life. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church for over 50 years lending her talents to various mission groups. In her final years, no longer physically able to go to church, she wouldn’t miss watching Mass on TV praying the rosary daily. It was her faith that carried her through, living it in her daily life.

Reunited in Heaven, Lucia was preceded in death by her parents, Angelo and Nunziata Furno, and her younger sister, Rita Furno de Blasco. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Anthony Biondo, her loving children, Phillip Nino Biondo and his wife, Cathy of Stonington, Connecticut, Angelo John Biondo of Fairfield, Angelica (Angie) Marie Persiani of Fairfield, and grandchildren, Jee Hoon, and Zi Qing Biondo, Anthony and Brooks Biondo, and Joseph, Anthony and David Persiani. She is also survived by her sister Rosita Nucciarelli in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and her brother, Nino (Cristina) Furno in Coral Springs, Florida, numerous nieces and nephews, and other very cherished family members. She will be dearly missed. We will see her again one day!

The Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2020 from 9 a.m.-10:15 am at Sacred Heart Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 1st, 2020 at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 400 Nilles Road in Fairfield. Christian burial will immediately follow at St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Hamilton.

The family would like to extend our deepest appreciation and love to our mother’s Hospice team (nurses, social workers, aides), doctors, caregivers, neighbors, friends, and others for your generous outpouring of support during her life and death. Your kindness has been a tremendous support to us for which we are so grateful. 

Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

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