With the grace and beauty she lived her life by, Emilia DeBartolo, age 75, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at home with her loving family by her side. Emilia was born in Marano, Marchesato, Province of Cozensa, Italy on May 6, 1934, to the late Pasquale and Rosaria (Bartuecci) Ritacca. She fell in love and married Salvatore DeBartolo on July 3, 1965, in Marano, Italy, and then moved to Kenosha in December of 1965 to start a family. Emilia and Salvatore made their home in Kenosha and had four beautiful children. Sadly, Salvatore passed away on September 8, 1997. A deeply religious woman, Emilia was a devoted member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. She was also a member of Mt. Carmel Ladies Society and Holy Rosary Ladies Society. She carried her faith into her family where she lived and taught her children the lessons she felt were so important to lead a good life. Her solid Catholic foundation was only matched by her incredible ability to maintain the Italian traditions she so loved. Emilia adored gardening and taking time to embroider and knit gifts for her family and friends; and preparing traditional Italian foods were her specialty. From canning to cooking, Emilia knew just how to show her love through food. Sundays were particularly memorable since plenty of family and awesome Italian food mixed with great conversation and family bonding. Left to remember Emilia and her role as the matriarch are her children: Bruno S. (Linda) DeBartolo; Antonietta "Toni" (Ronald) Belding; Eva (Mark) Stefferud; and Jo Anna (John Ficcadenti) DeBartolo, all of Kenosha. She is also survived by her seven adoring grandchildren: Nicholas, Jacob, Andrea, Samantha, Jaime, Alyssa, and Daniel; her two brothers, Francesco "Giacchnio" (Assunita) Ritacca, and Luigi (Rosette) Ritacca; and two sisters, Virginia DeFilipis and Carmella Gerometta. Emilia was preceded in death by her brother, Giacchino; her sister, Antoinetta; her brother-in-law, Enrico DeBartolo; and brother-in-law, Demenico DeFilipis. Funeral services for Emilia will be held on Monday, April 26th, at 9:30 a.m. from Proko Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. A visitation commemorating Emilia will be held Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Proko Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank the staffs of St. Catherine’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Home for the Aged for their remarkable care with every tiny detail; and in particular, Sarah from St. Joseph’s who diligently worked with Emilia to help her regain her strength so she could return home. Sundays were always special days for family gatherings and traditional Italian food. In honor of Emilia’s life, the family asks that you take the time to honor your family today as she did everyday of her life.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Emilia’s Online Obituary Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com