Paola A (Giostra) Manocchio

Paola A. Manocchio (Giostra) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on October 15, 2022. She will be dearly missed by her four loving children: David Manocchio of Bristol, Sandra Nicholls of Providence, Dana Nolan of Cranston, and Nicole Sidwell of Connecticut. Paola was also the dear sister of Annalena Burlenghi of Italy and the late Giancarlo Giostra.  “Nonna” was a beloved mother-in-law, and the cherished grandmother of 8 adoring grandchildren: James and Christopher Nolan, John and Amelia Manocchio, Katherine and Molly Sidwell, and Oliver and Marina Nicholls.

Born September 25, 1939, to the late Annamaria and Adriano Giostra in Bologna, Italy, Paola and her family lived through World War II and the difficult years that followed with hope, togetherness and gratitude. She met Anthony while he was attending medical school at the Universit di Bologna.  They were married in 1964 and left Italy in 1965 to begin a new life in America. They settled in Providence and, between 1965 and 1972, had 4 children. That is when she found her true happiness - making the transition from Paola to Mom. Although their marriage ended, Paola and Anthony’s friendship and respect for each other endured.

She was the most dedicated and loving mother. Raising 4 children was no easy task, but you would never know that from her disposition, energy level, and expressions of joy at the simplest of things. She loved being there for her children, ensuring that there was a safe harbor for them to return to each and every day. She made the house at 451 PVP into a home in every sense of the word with glorious meals, clean rooms, and the love of a fiercely devoted Italian mama.

Her capacity to love and nurture grew when her grandchildren began to enter the world in rapid fire succession (all 8 were born from 2002 to 2008). Spending time with her grandchildren was the purest of joys for her as she happily transitioned from Mom to Nonna. She would say that her cheeks hurt from smiling after spending a day with any and all of them. That love and adoration was returned to her by all of them whom she helped raise alongside (and sometimes in front of) her children. She brought much comfort, laughter, structure, and let’s face it, a little bit of fear to all their lives. Not one of them wanted to disappoint her.  They enjoyed spending time with her eating, laughing, or completing a jigsaw or crossword puzzle. Their love for her was boundless.

She understood the meaning of life and family. She poured her love into everything she cooked and made even the simplest meal present and taste like a 5-star restaurant. She held a special place in her heart for animals and over the years, rescued and adopted many furry family members.

To know Nonna was to love her and she was loved by so many. She was infinitely gracious and generous with her love, time, and capacity to forgive. She made the world a better place and has left us with so much pride and gratitude to have had her as our mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, in-law, friend, partner in crime, guide, and confidante. We move forward in this world without her feeling profound sadness but also infinite hope.

Friends and family, please join us as we celebrate Nonna's life as she would expect with lots of food, drink and laughter at Chelo’s Waterfront Restaurant, 1 Masthead Dr., Warwick, RI between 12:00–4:00 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the RISPCA at https://www.rispca.com/tribute-gifts/.