Maria S. DeNitto

Albany- Maria S. DeNitto passed away suddenly on July 1, 2026. Maria was born Maria Santa (Sandrina) Tirino in the town of Airola, located outside of Naples, Italy. Maria arrived in New York as a young girl in 1956, accompanied by her father, Pasquale Tirino, and her brothers, John and Tony; her mother, Elvira, had arrived 6 months earlier. The Tirino family settled in the South End of Albany. Maria attended St. Anthony’s School and later Cardinal McCloskey High School, where she earned her commercial diploma and graduated as a stenographer. Maria was employed at the State Bank of Albany, which she left when she and her family returned to Italy on vacation.

Through a childhood friend, Tina Simeone, she was introduced to Luigi DeNitto, who lived in a neighboring town. In 1969, Maria began communicating with him through letters for two years. When Maria and her family returned to Italy for a vacation, Luigi met them at the airport. Luigi eventually joined Maria in America, and on July 3, 1971, they were married at St Anthony’s Church. In 1979, Luigi had the opportunity to purchase Fiorello Importing on Western Avenue in Albany. At that time, Maria left her position as a hairdresser to work on developing a successful family business.

Maria and Luigi were charter members of the Italian American Community Center, where Maria spent 53 years dedicating her life to the club she started. She served on the board of directors and event committee and played bocce. There wasn’t one part of the club that didn’t have a “Sandrina” touch. She started the popular Friday Nights at the Pavilion events and shared her family recipes with club members. Many members would ask her, “How do you make that?” She would say, “I don’t know, I don’t measure; I just do it as my grandmother taught me.” Maria was proud of the long-lasting relationships she forged at the club that felt like family.

In addition to her deep love for the IACC, she cherished her Sunday family dinners, where she would proudly declare, “It’s sauce, not gravy.” She made it a point to invite anyone and everyone she knew, ensuring that all who sat at her table felt like family the moment they arrived.

Maria’s love for children and family is evident and strong. Her son, Mimmo, was born in 1979, and their daughter, Anna Rita, in 1983. Maria maintained deep relationships with her nieces and nephews, treating them just like they were her own children.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Luigi DeNitto; her son, Domenico (Mimmo) DeNitto; her daughter, Anna Rita DeNitto; and her nephew, John Tirino. Grandchildren, Olivia and Julia DeNitto. Her sister-in-law, Josephine (Pina) Tirino, and Rosa (DeNitto) Gentile.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Elvira; father, Pasquale Tirino; and her brothers, Giovanni “John” (Rosa) Tirino and Antonio (Tony) Tirino. Brother-in-law, Ermenio Gentile, Nephew Nicola (Nick) Tirino, and great-nephew Pasquale (Patsy) Tirino. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as special friends she considered family.

Calling hours 9:00am-11:00am, followed by A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am held on Tuesday July 7, 2026 at All Saints Catholic Church 16 Homestead Street Albany, NY 12203. Interment to follow Mass Our Lady of Angels Cemetery 1389 Central Ave Colonie, NY 12205.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Italian American Community Center Foundation, iaccfoundationalbany.org.