Emilia I (Altobelli) Amico
Emilia Amico Obituary
Emilia “Mimi” Amico, age 98, daughter of the late Pasqaule and Donata Altobelli, died peacefully at her home in Leominster on Thursday, June 9, 2016. An ever vigilant mom and, tireless volunteer, she always provided a helping hand to the local ARC, to its many individual clients .
In her passing, she joins Tony Sr., her husband of 70 years. She leaves her daughter, Emily; her special son John, both of Leominster; her son Anthony Jr. and, his wife Joanne of West Yarmouth; grandson Michael Amico of Phoenix, AZ; granddaughter Christine and husband Kevin Galione of Encinitas, CA; and two great grand children Kaylee and Myla, as well as, her brother Serafino Altobelli and his wife June of Yarmouth. She also leaves an extended, caring family of close relatives, friends, and French Hill neighbors from whom she received much support throughout her life.
A lifelong member of St. Anna’s parish in Leominster, Mimi and her husband joined other parents back in the 1950’s to organize and, start St. Anna’s grammar school. Later she took those same skills to join with many concerned parents in the area to promote local educational and, work opportunities for handicapped children and adults in North Worcester County. Ultimately, these efforts were instrumental in the establishment of Fitchburg’s ARC of Opportunity Center. For these valued contributions of time and effort to the disabled, Mimi received the “Making a Difference Lifetime Achievement Award,” from the local ARC ; a “Certificate of Distinguished Achievement” from the State of Massachusetts, a 1995 induction into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame and, in 1999 was nominated for the Kennedy Center’s Outstanding Citizen Award .
For years “Mimi” was an employee of Rubin’s Clothing Store, working in the Children’s department where she met numerous new parents from the area. Assisting new parents in outfitting their children was special to her and, appreciated by her customers who often commented on the “sweet woman” who took the time to help them
“Mimi” will be remembered not only for her devotion to family and community but also to her church. For years, she found time to proudly participate in the activities of St. Anna’s where she was an early member of the “Sodality of Our Blessed Lady” and where she initiated religious education classes for developmentally challenged children. She also helped start one of the first Girl Scout troops for the parish’s youngsters.
Her family would like to offer a very special “thank you” to a wonderful group of health care providers who assisted her, in her last days.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 14th from 9 - 10:30 AM at the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster . With a funeral mass at 11 AM in St. Anna’s Church 194 Lancaster Street, Leominster. Burial will be in St. Leo’s Cemetery, Leominster. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to: The Beacon of Hope, 62 West Street, Leominster, MA 01453 or to the ARC of Opportunity, 564 Main Street, Fitchburg MA 01420.
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