Dolores D. (DeCristofano) DeLucia

Dolores Del Rio (DeCristofano) DeLucia, 86, passed away after a long illness on February 13, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Norman DeLucia as well as a loving mother and grandmother. Born in Providence, Dolores was the daughter of Mario S. DeCristofano and Mary H. Almeida. Dolores's life was marked by love, devotion, sense of humor, generosity, and courage.

Dolores leaves her two daughters, Cheryl DeLucia-McDonald (married to Rodney McDonald) and Denise Mitsuma; her granddaughter, Angela Mitsuma; as well as her sister, Shirley Borges. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John DeCristofano, Mario DeCristofano, and Emanuel DeCristofano, and sister, Antonetta DiSalvia.

Together with her husband Norman, Dolores founded DeLucia's Berry Farm in 1976. They grew a variety of berries and made jams and jellies, which they supplied to many restaurants and bakeries throughout the state, such as Al Forno Restaurant, Seven Stars Bakery, and Pastiche Fine Desserts. Over the years, their delicious products and beautiful farm were featured in numerous cookbooks, journals, and publications. In addition to their farm, Dolores worked as a transplanter at Peckham’s Greenhouse, which she enjoyed very much.

Dolores' creativity extended beyond the fields, as she found joy in needlework and crafts of all kinds. She was well-known for her fruit and berry pies, which were popular among Little Compton’s summer residents. An animated storyteller, Dolores delighted in sharing humorous anecdotes from her past, captivating listeners with her masterful storytelling. In her leisure time, Dolores enjoyed making puzzles and using her Kindle. In her youth, she loved dancing, and it was at Crescent Park Dance Hall where she met Norman, her true love. She also competed in roller skating dance competitions. 

Dolores will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Her funeral and visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 20, at 8:30 a.m. from the ‘’WOODLAWN’’ Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave. Cranston, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. in St. John and Paul Church, Coventry. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105.

Please share memories and condolences at www.WoodlawnRI.com

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