IRENE (RUFFINI) BARONE
BARONE, Irene (Ruffini), 77, of Braintree, passed away peacefully, at her home on Monday, May 15, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Musellano, Italy and came to America in 1962 settling in Boston’s North End. She moved to Braintree in 1978 with her husband Carlo to raise their three daughters. Irene was well loved by everyone that knew her. She always provided unconditional love and support to her family and friends and will be dearly missed. Irene was an exceptional cook and fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning her own restaurant. Along with her husband Carlo, she owned and operated Carlo’s Cucina Italiana which became a well known and local favorite in the Allston neighborhood of Boston. She welcomed every guest with her infectious smile and a big hello. Whether you were just out for dinner or celebrating a special occasion, she wanted all her customers to feel as though she was hosting them at her own dinner table. However, as much as she loved running her restaurant, her greatest joy in life were her six grandchildren who were the loves of her life, and she loved nothing more than being their “Nonna”.
Irene is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Carlo and their three daughters, Patricia Fernandez, Irene Barone and her companion Mark Zopatti all of Braintree, Rachel Sweeney and her husband Jerry of Norwell and her six grandchildren, Giancarlo, Marysa, Cristian, Olivia, Antonio and Chloe. She is also survived by her brother Anthony Ruffini of Braintree and many nieces and nephews. She joins her parents Zachary and Josephine and brothers Emidio and Robert in eternal rest. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Monday, May 22, 2023, from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Cartwright-Venuti Funeral Home, 845 Washington St., Braintree. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM in the Parish of St. Clare, 1244 Liberty St., Braintree. Burial to follow at Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Irene to: Marisa’s Mission, Inc., P.O. Box 850061, Braintree, MA 02185.
For directions or to leave a sympathy message for the family, visit www. cartwrightfuneral.com.