Philomena Marinelli October 29, 1929 – September 19, 2021

Philomena “Phil” Marinelli (Rondinelli) passed away peacefully of natural causes in her home in Alpharetta, Georgia on September 19, 2021 surrounded by her loving family. Her beloved husband of 67 years, Bernard, predeceased her in November 2020.

Philomena is survived by her 12 children, Michael (Debra), Bernard (Diane), Angela (Harvey), Philip, Ursula (John), Egidio (Leslie), Christina (Kenneth), Gregory (Elizabeth), Denise (Michael), Lisa, Teresa (Michael), and Michael Power; her 14 grandchildren and her 4 great-grandchildren.

Philomena is predeceased by her parents, Egidio Rondinelli and Theresa Rondinelli (Fortunato); her brothers Joseph Rondinelli and Frank Rondinelli; her sister, Isabel DeCapua; her grandson, Daniel; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members in both the U.S. and in Italy.

Philomena was born in Youngstown, Ohio on October 29, 1929 to Italian immigrants. She loved music, which was evident from a young age and throughout her life. She had the most beautiful singing voice, and a natural ability for playing the piano. She took piano lessons as a young girl, but when she could no longer take them, she developed her talent by teaching herself, with an amazing ability to play by ear. She was also a self-taught artist. We are lucky to have her drawings, created many years ago, which depict the most elegant, fashionable women of the time.

She graduated from East High, where she met Bernie, the love of her life. As the story goes, when Bernie first saw Philomena in Study Hall, he thought she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. She was wearing a blue suit that her father had sewn for her. Bernie turned to his friend, who happened to be Philomena’s cousin, and said, “Who’s that?” Her cousin introduced the two, and their courtship ensued. Philomena knew from the time she met him that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with Bernie. Shortly after Bernie’s service in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, the high school sweethearts were married on November 22, 1952.

Phil and Bernie dreamed of building a large family together. They succeeded, and then some! They had 12 children, who they loved and cared for their entire lives. Philomena was the quintessential SAHM (Stay At Home Mom). She truly found joy in caring for her children. Among her other talents, she was a wonderful cook. She made sit down meals every night for dinner. Her family enjoyed pasta and meatballs every Sunday, with her delicious homemade marinara sauce. To top it off, Philomena worked hard to make holidays extra special, with her many handmade traditional Italian foods and desserts. Philomena taught her children to cook, though she rarely used a recipe. Through her children, the next generation is also learning her secrets, so the traditions will continue.

Phil and Bernie tried to attend every one of their grandkids’ special events. When life got hard for any of their children or grandchildren, they showed up. No matter what, they were always there. In her later years, Philomena found many ways to relax and enjoy life. But what she cherished most of all were the visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For Philomena, family came first. Always. Her love of family is her legacy. She taught her children to always treat others as they would like to be treated. She touched the lives of so many. Philomena will be dearly missed.

I LOVE YOU MORE

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a short service to be given by an officiant from Saint Brendan’s Catholic Church at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel at the McDonald & Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040. All who would like to pay their respects to our beloved Philomena are welcome to attend the viewing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a Pro-life organization in Philomena’s name.