Raphael M. Dilello

GUILDERLAND – Raphael “Rae” M. DiLello, 93, of Guilderland, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home in Clifton Park. She succumbed to complications of the COVID-19 virus. Sadly, she died alone, without family at her side. She had been competently, comfortably, and endearingly ensconced in this and another nursing home for the past six years as she concluded her final years with advanced stages of dementia. Rae was predeceased by her husband Arthur A. DiLello (Sr.) in 2003.

Rae was born in Glens Falls, the daughter of Pasquale and Josephine (Pozzouli) DeAngelis.  She lived most of her life in the Albany area.  She earned high school degree from Cathedral Academy in 1945.  Thereafter, Rae was employed at Alberts Studio, processing film before moving on to career-oriented work at the telephone company. After some years, she elected to transition into domestic life, as a full-time homemaker and mother. Nevertheless, she stayed busy volunteering her time at Albany Medical Center, the Albany Institute of History and Art, and her church.

During her lucid, vigorous years, Rae enjoyed typical creative activities, including: gardening, sewing, knitting, painting, and cooking.  Her accomplishments were impressive and appreciated by those that she gifted her creative products. She gladly dispensed spiritual advice to those seeking guidance. She was an active, expert bridge card player, typically playing with several different groups several times a week. Throughout the years, she loved the companionship of her dogs and then her grand dogs.

Rae was a communicant of Christ the King Church in Guilderland.  She is survived by her son Arthur A. DiLello (Jr.) and his wife Diane Davis of Albany.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave., Guilderland, Monday morning at 10:00 a.m.  Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany prior to the mass Monday morning from 9:00-9:30 a.m.  Masks and social distancing are required.  Please arrive early at church to register for the mass.  Interment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands.  Friends who wish to remember Rae in a special way may donate to Montgomery County SPCA.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.  The mass will also be live-streamed and remain available for a short time at ctkparishny.org and click on View Scheduled Funerals and Masses.