ELIZABETH C. "BETTY" (RICCI) MERLUZZO

80, of Cranston, died Sunday, May 16, 2010 at Rhode Island Hospital, Providence. She was the beloved wife of the late William E. "Bill" Merluzzo. Born in Cranston she was a daughter of the late Philip and Johanna (Palumbo) Ricci. Betty was an avid cook and enjoyed bowling and gardening. She is survived by her loving daughters, Joanne Orabone and her husband Steven of Cranston and Diane Castro and her husband Mark of Narragansett. She was the cherished grandmother of Kristin, Jillian, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Grace. Betty was the sister of Anne Ricci of Cranston and the late Philip Ricci. Funeral from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Mary's Church, Cranston Street, Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS Wednesday 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the RI Community Food Bank, 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907 or Hope Alzheimer's Center, 25 Brayton Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920.

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