Faustina "Tina" Tafuri

Faustina “Tina” Tafuri, 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025, surrounded by her family, after a brave battle with Dementia. Faustina was born in Avellino, Italy on July 20, 1929, to Errico and Filomena (Testa) Pagano. She resided in Fitchburg, MA, since immigrating from Italy in May 1958 with three children to join her husband, Sabino Tafuri, who had been in America creating a new life for his family.

Faustina had a few jobs including working at Foster Grant in the late 1960s. She helped with the family businesses at Sabino’s Bakery on Water St. and Sabino’s Bakery and Pizzeria on Westminster St. But her most important job was being the Matriarch of her big Italian family.

Tina loved to knit, making scarves for every one of her family members. She was a fantastic cook! Pasta making was a passion of hers and always encouraged family to help. She loved to go bowling and was a part of a bowling league with her best friend/“Sister” Franny. Going to the beach was one of her favorite places to be. Tina loved a party and was usually the last one to leave.

Tina took much pride in her Italian heritage, making sure her grandchildren were taught the Italian language, songs, and card game, “Scopa”. One of her hobbies was traveling back to Italy for months in the summer to visit her large family there. After not being able to travel like she used to, she enjoyed “FaceTiming” her family in Italy as that was the next best thing.

Tina was everyone’s favorite Grandmother. She loved everyone and everyone loved her. She was always making someone new “family”. Her neighbors were a big part of that family. The Alice Ave community made her “Nonna of the Neighborhood” and she took it with honor!

Tina is survived by her five children; Anna Leone (Joseph) of Shrewsbury, Filomena Day of Old Orchard Beach, ME, Gina Tafuri of Bradenton, FL, Joanne Liberatore (Peter) of Leominster, and Vincent Tafuri (Lana) of Westminster; a brother Antonio (Carmelina) Pagano, and nephews Elio and Alfredo (Ann) Pagano, of Fitchburg.

Tina also leaves ten grandchildren; Michael Gionet (Adesholla), Mark Gionet (Luciene), Margo Champion (Gregg), Lauren Tafuri, Matthew Tafuri, Jillian Maiorino (Brian), Rachel Nix, Cassandra Liberatore (Donny), Anthony Liberatore (Kylie), Peter Farnsworth (Noelle), her fourteen great grand children; Nicholas, Alaina, Dominic, Isabella, Giovanni, Zoe Belle, Everett, Brooke, Van, Nole, Ella, Charlie, Coralina, Cecilia, and one great-great grandchild, Carmen Saulnier. She also leaves three Step-Grandchildren; Gina (Steve) Nozzolillo, Kevin (Joy Sullivan) Leone, Michelle (Steve) LeBlanc, and five Step-Great Grandsons, Zachary and Jonathan Leone, Nick LeBlanc, and David and Jesse Ljunggren. 

Tina will be remembered lovingly by the many relatives residing in Italy; her nieces and nephews, who she always remained in contact with.

Tina is predeceased by her husband of more than 75 years, Sabino Tafuri, of Fitchburg, MA, who died on October 18, 2024, her son Salvatore (Sam) Tafuri, of Orlando, FL, in 2015, and her brothers Luigi, Chiro, and Peppino, and her sisters Concetta, Melinda, and Maria, all from Italy.

We invite all who knew Faustina to share their memories and photos on her memorial page. This is a place to remember and celebrate Tina's life.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, March 11th, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, MA., followed by a short service at 1:00 pm, in the funeral home. Her burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a favorite charity of your choice.