Giacomina "Jackie" Verdiglione

August 27, 2023, Giacomina Riccardi Verdiglione – “Jackie” to her friends and “Mina” to her beloved husband Salvatore (d. 1990) of 32 years – passed away peacefully at home with her loving family and sweet pup, Poppy, at her side. 

Jackie was born on October 17, 1937 in Perticara, a small town in northern Italy in the region of Emilia-Romagna. One of eight children born to Luigia Mordenti and Decio Riccardi, Jackie was proud of her Italian heritage and talked about Italy to anyone who would listen.

Jackie, a skilled seamstress, and Salvatore (“Sam”), a talented designer and tailor, met in Rome when she began working for him in his shop. The young couple married in 1957 and immigrated to the U.S. a year later, after being recruited by a Rochester, New York-based manufacturer of men’s tailored suits.

Their first child, Rosa, was born in 1959. They relocated to Everett, Pennsylvania, where their son, Gilberto, was born in 1966.

In Everett, Jackie opened a small shop called Jackie’s Fabrics. In addition to selling fabric and sewing notions and supplies in her store, she did alterations and made custom clothing. Jackie was kind of a celebrity in town for the gorgeous wedding dresses she created.

Wherever she went, Jackie made friends quickly! She didn’t have to know you for long before she called you a friend. A great cook, who loved to feed all who visited her home, she relished her role as a hostess. Often described as a firecracker with a quick wit and Sofia Loren good looks, Jackie was a fiercely proud and passionate woman whose love for her children, Rosa and Gilbert, daughter-in-law Leslie, grandson Tony and his wife Nicole, her great-grandchildren Izzy, Gabby, Sammy, and Ally, and her grandsons Brandon and Ryan, is impossible to overstate.

Though she lived far from her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews, her heart was always filled with love and concern for each of them. They’ve kept in constant contact over the years via video chats, phone calls, Facebook, and treasured visits. She loved and missed her family so much.

Jackie was a good friend to many who will remember her always for her energy, loyalty, sense of humor, and her enduring love of God. An active member for over 50 years of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Ladies of St. John, Jackie’s faith in a loving God brought her great joy and a comfort that embraced her as she faced life’s inevitable trials.

While Jackie’s family and friends will miss her dearly, they will be consoled by and grateful for the memories they have of her constant loving presence in their lives.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who offered kindness and support over the years. You are all appreciated and loved.

Visitation at Akers Funeral Home, 299 Raystown Road, Everett on Wednesday, August 30 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.  A Rosary Service will be held at 7:45 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 161 E. First Avenue, Everett on Thursday, August 31 at 11:00 am. with Father Derek Fairman, Father Richard Tomkosky and Father Angelo Patti officiating.  Burial will be held at the Everett Cemetery.  All are welcome to join the family for lunch in the Church Rectory following burial. 

The family suggests memorial contributions in Jackie’s name be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church (address above) or to POWER at power-recovery.com or 907 West Street, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15221.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.akersfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.