Philomena P. Pagnini, 87,

Philomena Patricia (Cardone) Pagnini, lovingly known as “Ma Phillie,” 87, of Milford, peacefully passed away on Tuesday December 8th at her home, just three days after her beloved husband Ronald Pagnini Sr.

Born on October 5, 1933, Ma Phillie was a lifelong member of the Milford community. She cherished her parents, Nicholas and Louise (Sannicandro) Cardone, and her siblings, Nicholas, Ann (Nardi), Daniel and Marie (Anderson). She was incredibly proud of her brother Danny’s accomplishments as a newspaper delivery boy and would carry on his legacy several decades after his untimely death at the age of eleven. Ma Phillie and Ronnie shared a true love story. With the encouragement of her girlfriends, she visited the Music Nook one afternoon, and a couple days later she was asked out by the man she would spend her life with. They were married on June 25, 1955 with a great celebration of food, music, and love, and celebrated their 65th anniversary this past year. Ma Phillie was a devoted caretaker after Ronnie’s stroke, and would serenade him daily with her favorite tune “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Family meant everything to Ma Phillie.

She adored her three children and enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved sharing a birthday with her granddaughter, Marla, and great-granddaughter, Riley. Ever a storyteller, she spent much time recounting family history. She would often share an anecdote from her own life, making sure to pass on as much “common sense” as she could. She found lessons in everything and beauty in connection. Ma Phillie was a talented pianist, willing to host a recital for anyone who might drop-in. She taught organ and piano to hundreds of Milford children. She loved to sing and hoped to one day sing the national anthem at the Olympics. She possessed endless creativity, writing songs and crafting poetry. Ma Phillie knew that to cook was to build community. She was famous for her legendary homemade pizza. Her recipe included a ‘pinch’ of this and a ‘touch’ of that, but the main ingredient was always love. It was common for her to make pizza for any event her family was involved in, from house parties and events at school, to celebrating someone’s birthday. She bought all of her ingredients from her favorite store, the Big Y, where everyone knew her name. She wrote a jingle, which she would sing to the managers and staff, who much to her delight, would respond with an immediate round of applause.

Ma Phillie enjoyed spending time with Ronnie at their summer home in Bourne. They loved to travel, and together spent time in Italy, Ireland, Aruba, and Disney World. One of her most memorable trips was riding on the Orient Express, during which she entertained other guests by singing one of her favorite tunes. Her house was filled with photos of these wonderful memories. She often recounted these stories as she cooked or played the piano. Her stories ended with either a reminder that “I may not be rich in money, but I’m rich in blood” or with her famous telephone sign off of “toot toot.” Ma Phillie loved to decorate her house for all occasions. Every night all year round, it is lit up providing a landmark that gives joy to both parents and children Many a stranger has knocked on her door to compliment her on her decorations and the beacon of festive lights that constantly shine. Just this year, Ma Phillie’s decorations won the town’s inaugural light decorating contest for Halloween.

In addition to her predeceased husband she is survived by her sister Ann Nardi, children, LuAnn Malnati and her husband Paul, Jayne Moynihan and her husband Pete, and Ronald Pagnini Jr. and his wife Maureen (Eplite), her grandchildren, Marla Baisley and her husband Lee, Luke Chiccarelli and his wife Lauren (Haskell), James Malnati, Janice Moynihan Forster and her husband Tim, Erin Moynihan, Patrick Moynihan, Jesse Pagnini, Victoria Pagnini, Quirina Allegrezza, and Luke Allegrezza, and great-grandchildren, Caleb Johnson, Ryder and Summer Baisley, Riley, Liana, Leo, and Lillian Chiccarelli, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 7 East Main Street Milford, MA (upper church). Calling hours will be held on Friday, December 11, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Consigli Ruggerio Funeral Home, 46 Water Street, Milford MA.

Note: Strict Covid protocols will be enforced at both the church and funeral home. These include wearing a face covering, social distancing of six feet, and no gathering in doors. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

St Jude’s Children Research Hospital, Memorial Giving, 501 Saint Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105 www.stjude.orgOliva Fund for Cancer Care, 14 Prospect Street, Milford, MAFoundation.milfordregional.org/the-Oliva-fund-for-cancer-care/

The Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra, 208 Main Street, Suite 22, Milford, MA www.claflinhill.com

Guest Book

Our sincere condolences to the Pagnini families on the recent loss of your parents. May the many wonderful and heartfelt memories you have of them comfort you in the days ahead. You have a life time of unforgettable memories to reflect upon as you celebrate their lives each day. God Bless. Andy and Suzanne Anderson
Andy and Suzanne Anderson

LuAnn, Jayne and Ron and families I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your mother and father. Losing a parent is heartbreaking, but the loss of both unimaginable. I am thinking of all of you at this difficult time.
Dianne Shafferman

Luanne, Jayne & Ron jr So sorry to hear of Your Mom & Dad passing. Although it’s been years since the family has been together we have our memories told to us through the years and pictures of family events . Your dad sent my first 45 of Beatles home with my dad. Our hearts go out to you all , Sincerely, Joni Costa & Rita Diotalevi
Joni Costa

Our condolences go out to LuAnn and the rest of the Pagnini family on the loss of both of your parents. We had met them at some of the baseball games through the years and wondered at all of the great holiday decorations that adorned their house. God Bless you All.
Joe & Kathy Kane, Milford

We loved her house decorating! Our deepest sympathy to the Family. Theresa, Linda, And Andrew Lizotte.
Linda Lizotte-Douglas

Dear Ronny, LuAnn and Janie, I am so very very sad to hear the news about your mom and dad. Time will pass but the love the town's people feel for your family will never fade. So many good times spent on Pond Street, them good old days, walks to Hixon's ice cream, watching fireworks and parades from the top of Pond Street. RIP Phil Olga Diomedes Blair
Olga Diomedes Blair

Although I will not be able to attend services for my cousin Phillie and Ronnie, I will send my love and prayers for them and their family.
Grace Lavallee

My deepest sympathies
David Negrotti

LuAnn, Jayne and Ronnie, I was so sad to learn this morning of your moms passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Knowing she is now with you dad, the love of her life, I hope is a source of comfort to you. I always admired the beautiful love and devotion that your parents had for each other. Praying the Lord's peace will be a comfort and will be your source of strength as you go through this sad time. Love and Blessings to you all
Susan Cenedella Desmeule

LuAnne, Janie, and Ronnie, We are so so sorry to hear of your unfathomable loss. Some people you just expect to live forever. Your parents were such people. The love of life and family that your parents possessed is truly a blessing. May you carry on their zest for all things good and fun with the energy and faith that they undoubtedly passed on to all of you. Due to Covid we will be unable to extend our sympathy in person but please know you are in our prayers. Love, Karen and Gil Campos
Karen and Gl Campos

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.... Many memories of The Cardones and Philly as she was always so nice as I grew up on Pond Street! And through the years she always recognized me and we would stop and chat! A beautiful couple who will sadly be missed....
Nancy Fertitta

A true love story between your mom and dad now together forever where she continue to serenade your dad. I know that their time here on earth has come to an end but they are in the loving arms if God now. May they RIP. Sending my deepest sympathies. Janet Roy Zavota
Janet Roy Zavota

Dear Ronny, LuAnn and Janie, We are so very very sorry to hear such sad news. Your mother was one in a million and your parents were so in love she just had to be with him. We all have a story about them and the memories will live on. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know our prayers are with you. Dawnette & Mike Niro Fort Myers, Fl.
Dawnette & Mike Niro

Ronnie and LuAnn cherish the memories you had with your parents to be remembered for a life time.Remember the smiles from our parents when all of us were together playing ,eating cookies and the homemade pasta. Love you both sorry for the loss of your parents.❤️🌹🙏🏻
Dean & Marissa Diotalevi

We are so sorry to hear about her passing. our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family .may she RIP
Doris @ Tommy Ortla

Phillie what happened?? I cannot believe you died ??? I loved you dearly and will forever miss you. My deepest condolences to all your loving family. I feel for all of them. May God give them the peace and strength at this most heart wrenching time. My prayers are with all of you. I love you.
Sis Lombardi.

Our deepest sympathies. Phillie was a patient at my eye doctors and I had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a loving, caring, sweet lady that loved her family. Ronnie was a music icon at the nook. He would always get our 45 records for us. May you both rest in heavenly peace.
Deb and Phil Benoit

Our most sincere condolences for the loss of your mom and dad. May they Rest In Peace together, forever in the Kingdom of Heaven. God Bless all of the Pagnini family members.
Michael and Sally Brita

Luann Janie.Ronnie So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. As difficult as it may seem it is also a blessing, she is now reunited with your dad after a very short time apart. Her love and devotion to him was beyond measure. May God comfort you with His peace at this difficult time. My prayers are with all of you.
Joanne Cenedella Supernor

My sincere condolences to Ronny, LuAnn and Janie. So many fond memories of your mom and dad. Always such a warm welcome each time I went into the Music Nook and a great smile was given. Their love was truly strong. So rare these days. Hold onto those wonderful memories. Love to all of you and the whole family ❤
Janice (Cenedella) Malouin

Phillie. I. Can,t. Believe. You. Died. ...I. Am. Soooo. Sad. You. Are. Now. With. Ron.. You. Took. Such. Good. Care. Of. Him.. All. Will. Miss. Your decorations. On. Your. House.. All. My. Love. To. Your. Beautiful. Family..they. Took. Such. Good. Care. Of. You. And. Ron... Sister. Annnnnnna. ❤️
A. Nardi.....💕

Close your eyes. Imagine the late 1960s. Phillie is sitting on a stool, at Davoren's Pharmacy. She is talking to a lad, who is sitting next to her. The two of them are drinking Coke, eating French Fries, chatting. I was that kid! Auntie Phillie was a wonderful person. I used to visit them on Sunday Nights. Father Azarak would be there. My Uncle would pour me a GLASS of Blackberry Brandy, in his signature cut glass brandy snifter. I would catch a buzz, and listen to the conversation. All of a sudden, my aunt would make me eat, and there went the buzz! "RONNIE, he is just a kid"! Bye Bye Auntie. I will see you on the other side. Your Nephew, Tony Nardi
Tony Nardi

my sincerest and deepest condolences to you all. such fun memories going into music nook and seeing your parents together. your mom played spanish eyes on the organ and i loved that song ever since. know that they are together forever from this life with us to gods heaven. cherish all memories. sincerely brenda depoto mayhew
brenda mayhew

My sincere condolences to the family. Please try to remember all the fond memories shared and be at peace she is with the love of her life looking over her family 💖
Sherry Sowers

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