Paolina (DiTullio) DiRado, age 89, a longtime resident of Braintree, formerly of Roslindale, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Standish Village at Lower Mills, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Filetto, Province of Chieti, Region of Abruzzo, Italy, Paolina was the daughter of the late Gerardo and Antonietta (Lucci) DiTullio. She was raised and educated in Italy before immigrating to the United States with her husband, Vincenzo, and their young children on November 6, 1966. The family settled in Roslindale, where they lived for nearly twenty years before relocating to Braintree, where Paolina resided for over thirty-five years.

Paolina was a talented seamstress and worked in the garment industry for several years. She later joined her husband in running Vincenzo’s Shoe Repair, first in East Milton Square for nearly three decades and later in Braintree’s Landing area for fourteen years. Together, they cherished the many lasting friendships they made with their customers over the years.

A gifted cook, Paolina enjoyed hosting family and friends, creating memorable meals and gathering her loved ones close. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, with a deep commitment to her family.

Paolina was the beloved wife of Vincenzo DiRado, with whom she shared 68 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Michael DiRado and his wife Wendy Goldstein of Scituate, and Jerry DiRado and his companion Diane Holmes of Attleboro. She was a loving grandmother to Isabella Sprague and her husband Timothy, Max DiRado, Kristina DiRado, and Jerard DiRado, and a cherished great-grandmother to Sophie and Nora.

Paolina was the last surviving sibling of four, having been predeceased by her brothers Rocco DiTullio and Armando DiTullio, as well as her sister Anna DiRado. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be conducted at the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy, on Friday, March 7, at 11:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visitation prior to the service from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

For those who wish, donations in Paolina’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.