- Date Of Birth: July 17, 1925
- Date Of Death: August 18, 2022
- State: New Mexico
Angela Reina Pisarra passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the age of 97, in the loving care of her family.
Angela was born to Salvatore and Catherine Reina on July 17, 1925. She was raised along with her two sisters, Margaret and Constance and her brother, Charles in Brooklyn, NY and later in Queens, NY. Angela had a wonderful childhood, growing up with a large extended family, with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins who all lived within walking distance.
After graduation from high school, Angela attended business school and worked in downtown Manhattan in legal patent departments, to include RKO Pictures. On January 20, 1952, Angela Reina married her beloved husband, Joseph Pisarra. The couple set up their home together and raised their two daughters, Catherine and Anita Holly in Queens, NY. Angela stayed at home with her two daughters and sold real estate part time. Angela read to, listened to and taught her daughters every day. She made their holiday dresses and cooked incredible meals, to include traditional Italian dishes made from scratch. Angela later worked as a school secretary so she could have the same days off as her children. She would take her girls and her niece, Susan and nephew, Lenny to many events, to include Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall to see the holiday shows.
The family took a cross country driving trip in 1970.
Upon retiring and moving to New Mexico in 1974, Angela and Joe set out to truly enjoy themselves.
Angela returned to work after the passing of her beloved husband, where she worked at the US Corps of Engineers and ultimately retired from the US Department of Energy, Legal Department.
Angela took trips to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand and took many cruises to include the Panama Canal and Alaska. She had an adventurous spirit since she was young and taught us not to be afraid of living your best life.
Angela volunteered at the Church of the Risen Savior with the Women’s Guild, Altar Rosary Society, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. It amused the family that Angela was often the one asked to drive to the places around town to see if people qualified to receive assistance with rent and utilities. She explained to us that even in her 70’s she was one of the younger volunteers who could still drive and walk up to 2nd floor units to meet with people.
Angela was preceded in death by her parents, Salvatore, and Catherine Reina; sisters, Margaret Postiglione (husband, Lenny) and Constance Simmons (husband, Tom); beloved husband, Joseph Pisarra; and great-granddaughter, Savanna Lily. Angela was blessed with a large and loving family and leaves behind daughter, Catherine Mary De Oreo and husband, Victor of Rio Rancho, daughter, Hon. Anita Holly Reina (ret) of Albuquerque; seven loving and beautiful grandchildren, Victoria De Oreo, Rev. James De Oreo, Joseph Frantz, Daniel Frantz, Julianna Molina, Juanita Emily Frantz, and Crystal Frantz; eight loving and beautiful great-grandchildren; brother, Charles Reina and wife, Cornelia Reina (who Angela thought of as a sister); first cousin, Donna Reina of Albuquerque; and many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, too numerous to name.
Angela resided in her later years at Brookdale Assisted Living where she was friends with many residents and staff. Angela spread love and joy throughout her life. Family meant everything to her. She was extremely proud of her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We are grateful for every moment we spent with her and value everything she taught us. She will be in our hearts for eternity and be forever missed.
