Youngstown - There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, Youngstown, with Father Edward Noga officiating, preceded by a 10:45 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman for Mela Esposito, 98, of Youngstown, who passed away Monday evening, February 18, 2013 with her loving family by her side. . Mela was born May 29, 1914 in Youngstown, Ohio the daughter of Frank and Anna (Colla) Bologna and was a lifelong area resident. She was employed with Strouss Department Store for many years in central wrapping along with being a homemaker. She was a member of St. Patrick Church, the Latin Cultural Foundation, ITAM Post #3, and the Royal Seniors Club. Mela was a ray of sunshine, with impeccable sense of style. She enjoyed tole painting, gardening, dancing, watching her "stories" and vacationing in Camp Perry, Ohio. She loved God and her family deeply, and cherished every single moment she had with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her wonderful cooking and baking especially her famous Italian dessert "Cassata" which she was known for. Her husband Frank V, Esposito Sr. whom she married September 7, 1937 died March 4, 1994. She leaves behind to hold on to her precious memories her children Frank Jr. (JoAnn) Esposito, Melanie Cox, and Anita (Jerry Sweed) Bogan all of Boardman, eight grandchildren Andrea (David) Crago of Westerville, Ohio, Tori Pike of Stow, Regina (Richard) Miller of Marysville, Ohio, Christina Smith of Hilliard, Ohio, Dr. John C. Jr. (Leigh) Cox, of Canfield, Heather Anne (Chris Koch) Cox of Los Angeles, California, Casey (Tim) Cox-Moore of Boardman, and Timothy (Lisa) Bogan of Sacramento, California, twenty great grandchildren Andrew, Darien, Olivia, Brendan, Noelle, Alexandra, Bailey, Samuel, Jordan, Garrett, Johnny, Daniel, Jake, Mimi, Meseret, Hollis, Liam, Evelyn, Timothy Jr. and Gianna and three sisters twin Nancy Culotta of Angola, New York, Jayne "Muffie" Michaels of Parma, and Yolanda Labate of Boardman. Besides her parents and husband she was preceded in death by two brothers Frank and Nicholas (Bologna) Bollen, two sisters Tea Guerra and Ange Billet and her son-in-law John C. Cox. Friends may call on Friday, February 22, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Burial will take place at Lake Park Cemetery, Youngstown. Mela's family would like to say Thank You to Briarfield Manor and all their staff for all the kindness and love they have shown along with a very special Thank You to her good friend and roommate Mary Pal. In lieu of flowers material contributions may be made in Mela's name to St. Patrick Church, 1420 Oak Hill Ave., Youngstown, Ohio 44507. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book or send condolences to the Esposito family. Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home Dedicated To Your Loved Ones