Obituary for Clara "Kate" Troilo
Clara Russo Troilo (affectionately known as Kate), age 93, peacefully departed this life and went to the Lord on April 29th at Riddle Memorial Hospital where she died of complications from Covid-19. Clara was born in South Philadelphia to John and Filomena Russo. She remained in South Philadelphia for her entire life until she moved in 2019 to Rose Tree Place Assisted Living Community in Media, PA.
Kate was a loving, caring, gentle, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Kate was a graduate of South Philadelphia High School, class of 1945. She was a homemaker for most of her life until she became employed by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in 1980. She excelled at her various roles at PHS and was a proud member of the staff for 23 years. She loved her Saturday date nights with her husband, Frank, and often attended the theatre, went out for dinner and traveled to Atlantic City.
Clara was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank J. Troilo, who passed away in 2003 after 54 years of marriage, and great-granddaughter Olivia Virga. Clara is survived by her daughter Barbara (Robert) Virga, daughter Joan (Paul) Loiacono and son Frank (Connie) Troilo. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Bobby Virga, Marc (Alexis) Virga, Kevin Troilo, Alison Troilo and her great-grandchildren Lillian and Desmond Virga. Survivors also include her sister Dena Pezzano, her brother Anthony Russo and nieces and nephews. As Kate often stated, “her family was her world.”
Due to current restrictions, her burial will be private. Clara was a devout member of St. Monica Church for 68 years. A memorial mass will be held at a later date. Donations in Clara’s memory may be made to St. Monica Church, 2422 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. Donations may also be made to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Development Office at 100 N. 20th St, 5th floor, Philadelphia PA 19103 or at PHSonline.org.
Kate was a loving, caring, gentle, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Kate was a graduate of South Philadelphia High School, class of 1945. She was a homemaker for most of her life until she became employed by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in 1980. She excelled at her various roles at PHS and was a proud member of the staff for 23 years. She loved her Saturday date nights with her husband, Frank, and often attended the theatre, went out for dinner and traveled to Atlantic City.
Clara was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank J. Troilo, who passed away in 2003 after 54 years of marriage, and great-granddaughter Olivia Virga. Clara is survived by her daughter Barbara (Robert) Virga, daughter Joan (Paul) Loiacono and son Frank (Connie) Troilo. She is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Bobby Virga, Marc (Alexis) Virga, Kevin Troilo, Alison Troilo and her great-grandchildren Lillian and Desmond Virga. Survivors also include her sister Dena Pezzano, her brother Anthony Russo and nieces and nephews. As Kate often stated, “her family was her world.”
Due to current restrictions, her burial will be private. Clara was a devout member of St. Monica Church for 68 years. A memorial mass will be held at a later date. Donations in Clara’s memory may be made to St. Monica Church, 2422 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145. Donations may also be made to the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Development Office at 100 N. 20th St, 5th floor, Philadelphia PA 19103 or at PHSonline.org.