Theresa A. “Tessie” Petti, 92, of Milford, MA, passed away on January 26th. She was the devoted wife of Anthony “Tony” Petti. Tessie and Tony were married for nearly 73 years, demonstrating an extraordinary partnership and profound love throughout their union. Together, they were a pillar of strength and unrelenting love for their entire family.
Born and raised in Milford, Tessie was one of eight siblings and the daughter of the late Charles B. and Teresa (Ferrante) Tomaso. She and her siblings maintained a unique closeness throughout their lives, raising their children together and permeating a lifelong bond between the many nieces and nephews. Tessie was the ultimate caretaker, listener, and friend. Her limitless capacity for love and empathy could bring a smile to anyone’s face. She took on the problems of her loved ones as if they were her own, undoubtedly able to ease your troubles with her effortless humor and quick wit. Even in her final hours Tessie maintained her spitfire personality, making jokes and bringing immense joy to those around her.
To her five children, Tessie was the center of their lives. She was the kind of mother every child deserved. Hosting Sunday dinners, holidays and family gatherings, she filled her children with a lifetime of warm meals and memories. In times when she had nothing to give them but love, she gave it all. Throughout her children’s adult lives, Tessie continued to provide stability and comfort. Whether on the phone for their daily chats or at the kitchen table for a regular visit, Tessie always had time to sit and talk.
Her nurturing and caring spirit extended to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she adored. She had a special way of making them each feel remarkable in their own right. Tessie loved staying connected to her family and hearing about their accomplishments. In her later years, she became an avid user of social media and actively contributed to the family group chat. Her messages of love and encouragement will be sorely missed.
Tessie’s selflessness offered an easeful presence that will remain unmatched. She loved cooking for her family, listening to music and getting lost in a good book. Above all else, she loved her husband, Tony. Her love for him was all-consuming. She held true to her vows of for better or worse, navigating the challenges of growing old together and remaining steadfast by his side as they endured life’s worst hardships. Tessie and Tony’s love story will forever be an indelible memory of strength and commitment. Her impact on him and the lives of those that love her will be everlasting.
Tessie is survived by her husband Tony and four daughters, Teresa M. Petti of Beverly Hills, CA, Sandra A. Funk of Uxbridge, MA, Maryellen Mellen and her husband Ronnie Mellen of Mendon, MA, Laurie Petti and her partner Brian Levey of Mendon, MA, her grandchildren Jade Loop and her husband Tomer DeVito of Beverly Hills, CA, Leah Steeves and her partner Ian Sheffield of Newport, RI, Sesha Loop of Los Angeles, CA, Anthony Arcudi and his wife Katie Arcudi of Mendon, MA, Michael Petti of Milford, MA, Brianna Arcudi and her fiancé Ben Grundy of Natick, MA, and Jordan Petti and his partner Courtney Fisher of Worcester, MA, her great grandchildren Liv, Tyler and Sage DeVito of Beverly Hills, CA, Sayer Sheffield of Newport, RI, and Eva Arcudi of Mendon, MA. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Nancy (Petti) Nogueira of Milford, MA, and her many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her only son Anthony “Tony” Petti Jr., whom she missed tremendously in the 12 years since his passing, her son-in-law Robert “Bob” Funk, her son-in-law Robert Loop, her brothers Biagio, Frank, Alfred, and Charles Tomaso, and her sisters Marie Saccardo, Josephine Kane, and Sarah Grillo.
Calling hours will be held from 9AM to12PM (noon) on Friday, February 2, 2024, followed by a funeral home service at the Consigli Ruggiero funeral home, 46 Water Street, Milford, MA. The burial will take place at Sacred Heart cemetery in Milford, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.