Lena Cucchiara

Lena (Fragasse) Cucchiara, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb 29, 2024.

Born July 14, 1928, first generation Italian-American, in Ambler, PA to the late Vincenzo “Jimmie” and Adele (née Eliseo) Fragasse, she was a graduate of Ambler High School, Class of 1946 where she played Intramural hockey and basketball and was noted as being charming, kind, and sweet.

Lena was a long time resident of West Norriton and a member of St. Teresa of Avila Church, Audubon, PA and former member of Holy Savior Church in Norristown. She enjoyed her family, spending time together in early years at the Brigantine Beach home and then later hosting large pool parties during summer holidays. Lena was best known for her kindness, friendly attitude and quiet sense of humor. She was a talented cook and made everything from typical Italian foods to pies, cakes, donuts (Fasnacht), etc. She supported school events, was active in the church and found peace in her religion. Holidays were always a family tradition and Christmas Eve was celebrated with the seven fish meal and the traditional dessert “cassata”, a sponge cake filled with cream, originating in Sicily.

Lena was preceded in death by her beloved husband Frank C. Cucchiara, Jr., sister Norma Bocchino; brother Victor Fragasse; sister Mary Cozzie; sister Jean Serrao and son-in-law, Thomas G. Neilson. She is survived by her beloved children, Mary Ann Neilson, Linda Behr, (husband Ric), Frank Cucchiara III, (wife Kimberly), Josephine (Josie) Mandracchia DeGisi and grandchildren, Bobby, Gavin, Justin, and Alyssa, and many nieces and nephews.

Viewing will be held on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 8:45-9:45am ET at St. Teresa of Avila Church, Audubon, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10am.

Burial will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Volpe Funeral Home, East Norriton, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to COPD Foundation @ https://www.copdfoundation.org

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