Italia M. Biondo

Italia Marie Biondo, of Murrysville, formerly of Monroeville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the age of 92. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Biondo, and a devoted mother of Maria (Glenn) Rosporski, Peter (Rosie) Biondo, Gina (Kevin) Conroy, and Anita Manning. She was a cherished grandmother to Angela, Carmen (Erin), Nina, and Mia Rosporski; Robbie Engleka (Shayla), Alexi (Brian) Petnuch, and Joseph (Jillian) Biondo; Sean (Maggie) and Michael Conroy; and Maria and Michael Manning. She was a proud great grandmother to Ella and Cole Engleka, Josephine and Clara Petnuch, and Gia and Jackson Biondo. Italia was the sister of the late Lilian Simoncini, the late Evelyn (William) Fanelli, and the late Mario (Gail) Simoncini. Born in Vintondale, Pennsylvania, Italia was the daughter of Gino and Joanna Simoncini; she was a coal miner’s daughter who excelled academically from an early age. She attended nursing school at St. Francis, where she was awarded the Snow Queen Award for academic excellence. She later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Duquesne University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Italia’s nursing career spanned several hospitals before she ultimately served as a school nurse in the Gateway School District, a role that allowed her to balance her professional dedication with raising her four children. Of her, one former student remarked, “She was a force of nature, and any child who tried to fake an illness in her office quickly learned that.” In addition to her lifelong pursuit of learning, Italia lived by the tenets of Faith, Family, Friends, and Fun. She golfed and bowled well into her late 80s, was an excellent bridge player, enjoyed many card games, and rarely missed a family or social gathering. Italia was an active and faithful member of her former parish, North American Martyrs Church, where she served by cleaning the church and through the Altar Rosary Society and Ladies of Charity and her volunteer work included a hospice facility where she prayed and sat with patients at end of life. Her greatest legacy was her unwavering devotion to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Known lovingly as “Nonna” not only to her family but throughout her extended community, she embraced all with warmth and care. Her nieces and nephews, who were especially close to her, affectionately called her “Aunt Cheech.” Italia lived her life faithfully in service to God, her family, and her friends, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Friends will be received at the GENE H. CORL FUNERAL CHAPEL INC. AND CREMATION SERVICES OF MONROEVILLE, 4335 Northern Pike (412-372-2100) on Thursday, April 9, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 a.m. at Mother of Sorrows Church, followed by entombment at Good Shepherd Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Angel’s Place or blood donations to the American Red Cross in her memory.