Ada DeBartolo was a “family matriarch” who modeled hard work and generosity. Her daughter, Tina Serpe, says their mother’s life could be summed up in four words: “Faith,” “Family,” “Friends” and “Food.” “And ‘fun!’ She was a good sport and always joking!” added daughter Sandy Morrone. “She was the matriarch who kept everyone together,” Tina said.

Ada was an Italian and an American, and proud to participate in both cultures, said her family. She loved having people in her home for Sunday dinner or a big party. For nearly 30 years, she and her husband, Ignazio, owned and operated DeBartolo’s, a grocery store and delicatessen on Kenosha’s north side. “She made holidays still happen at their house even while helping run the store,” said her daughter, Susan DeBartolo.