Francesca Bonavita Posa

Francesca Bonavita Posa, 96, of Sharpsburg passed peacefully with her children at her side on Thursday, July 18th. Francesca lived a singular life that can be best represented by the values she instilled in her family. After growing up working on her family’s farm in Calabria, she married her husband Michele and eventually immigrated with her three children to Pittsburgh in 1971. Francesca was a fiercely independent and dedicated homemaker who managed the shopping, gardening, cooking, cleaning, and finances for her family in America without the English language. She had only an elementary education but was a passionate reader of news & politics, and stressed the value of education to her children and grandchildren. She had a sharp tongue that spared few, but always had a deep love for those closest to her. Though small in stature, she was a giant in life and will be remembered for the vast world she opened for her family. 

Francesca is survived by her children, Angelo (Sara Haus), Franco (Mary), and Luisa Bonavita. Also survived by her grandchildren, Rebecca Cesa (Zach), Franco Posa (Helen Lee), Michael and Christopher Bonavita, and Eli Posa, and great-grandchildren, Zelie, Clare, Dominic, and Margaret Cesa. She was preceded in death by her husband Michele and her siblings, Michele, Fiorina, and Saverio. 

Friends received Sunday, July 21st from 6-8pm at Slater Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Sharpsburg, corner of Main and 9th Sts., Sharpsburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Parish in Madonna of Jerusalem Church Monday, July 22nd at 11 am. Private interment for immediate family only to follow at Mount Royal Cemetery. 

Francesca’s family expresses their immense gratitude to the staff at Concordia of Wexford and to her dedicated friends, Rosemary and Esther, who visited with her every day. If desired, donations can be made to the Concordia Benevolent Care Fund through Concordia Lutheran Ministries ATT Larissa Yates, 134 Marwood Rd, Cabot, PA 16023.