Maria R. (DeFino) Pietrafitta

Maria R. (DeFino) Pietrafitta, 88, of Springfield Delaware County, passed away at her residence surrounded by family on Saturday, December 8, 2018.

Born May 20, 1930 in Philadelphia, she was the last remaining child of the late Michael and Julia (Panella) DeFino.

Maria was born and raised in South Philadelphia and was the youngest of five children.  After attending South Philadelphia High School for Girls, she operated a clerical and stenographic office in Center City Philadelphia.  In 1959 she married Salvatore Pietrafitta and began to raise their family in Yeadon, PA.  While in Yeadon, she was active in the community serving as President of the Women’s Social Club of Yeadon and the Yeadon Swim Club.

Maria was also quite athletic, talented and enjoyed playing tennis, bowling and billiards.

In the mid-1980s, the family relocated to Springfield, Delaware County, where she would reside until her passing.  She continued to be active in sports until a few years ago.  Shortly after moving to Springfield, she began working alongside her oldest son John at Pulsations Nightclub in Glen Mills for approximately a decade.  Maria was lovingly referred to as “Mom” or “Mom from Pulsations” by scores of teens and members of the older crowd.   They loved “Mom” and she loved them.

During her retirement she and her husband also loved to travel to Lancaster County or the Atlantic City casinos for long weekends where she enjoyed the entertainment and tempting the slot machines.  Most recently she continued this adventure at the local Harrah’s in Delaware County.

Uppermost to Maria was the well-being of her family.   Together with her husband, family activities were encouraged, and enjoyed.   Naturally, this was a process she continued over the last two decades with her energetic grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart.  When all members of the family convened, Maria was at her happiest.

Maria is survived by her husband of 59 years, Salvatore, her children John of Springfield, Santa (Chuck) Kraft of Glen Mills, Michael (Joanna) Pietrafitta of West Chester and her grandchildren C.J., Christian and Jackie Kraft and Jordan and Michael Pietrafitta.  She was also blessed with many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to attend her Celebration of Life Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Avenue, Springfield, PA 19064 at 11:30 AM on Friday December 14, 2018, where friends may call for the viewing from 9:30 to 11:15 AM.  Internment will immediately follow at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Broomall.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.