Galzerano Funeral Home
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Rosaria Sara Bengardino (Ditta)

Rosaria "Sara" Bengardino (nee Ditta) age 90 died Tuesday September 21, 2021. Sara was born in Campobello di Mazara, Sicily in 1931, the fifth child of Giuseppe and Rosalia Ditta. In 1961, Sara married Antonio Bengardino of Roggiano Gravina, Calabria. Antonio saw a picture of Sara at a friend's (coincidentally Sara's cousin) home and the two began a correspondence culminating in their engagement over the phone. They met only a month before their wedding, but stayed happily married until Antonio's death in 1984. In doing so, she realized her lifelong dream of coming to America and became an American citizen. Together they raised three children in Philadelphia, California, and Philadelphia again. Sara was a master seamstress, working in bridal salons and in children's clothing manufacturing. Sara also independently designed and executed custom gowns, including many wedding gowns. She made Baptismal gowns for many of her grandchildren including her great-granddaughter. Her greatest joy was her family. Sara delighted in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a fabulous cook whose pastina could cure every ill. Her recipes are the stuff of legend and enjoy constant use by family and friends. Sara could always be relied upon to sing a song, tell a story, and host food-filled sleepovers for her grandchildren. After selling her home in Philadelphia, Sara became a jetsetter, frequently traveling between Philadelphia and California to spend time with her bi-coastal family. She took great pleasure in introducing a whole new audience of card players to Scopa and Briscola. As COVID-19 ended her traveling, Sara took to the frequent use of technology and mastered FaceTime. Sara was a woman of deep faith and conviction. She was deeply devoted to St. Padre Pio and never missed her private prayers. Her faith extended to her sense of hospitality: if you were with her, she welcomed you and cared for you—even if you were a random fellow traveler on a cross-country flight. Everyone she met was instantly loved as a family member. Sara celebrated her 90th year with gratitude and joy for a life well lived and ready to meet the Lord. Sara will be sadly missed by her loving children, Michelina Corcoran and her husband Laurence, Joseph Bengardiino and Rosalia Letson and her husband Eric. Sara is the loving Nonna of Jenna, James, Antonia, Antonio, Sara and Vincenzo, as well as her loving great grandchild Addison. Relatives and friends are invited to viewing Saturday October 9, 2021 from 9-10am at Our Lady of Consolation Church, Princeton Ave and Tulip St. Phila. PA. 19135. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am with Interment to follow at the St. Dominic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers family perfers contribution to Our Lady of Consolation Convent Restoration Appeal.

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