Obituary of Catherine M. Tropia

Catherine “Cass “ (Nee Paradiso) Tropia, formerly of Philadelphia and Colwyn, Pennsylvania, died on Sunday, February 12, 2023, peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving family.  Born July 9, 1920, Cass was 102 years of age.

Cass, like so many others of the time, was born at home. Her birthplace was Moorestown, New Jersey, and it was remarkable, growing up with ten brothers and sisters. Despite her New Jersey roots, Cass lived and grew up with her siblings in a humble South Philadelphia row house. Because of the family size, making ends meet was difficult. To supplement family income, Cass, along with brothers and sisters spent summers working on New Jersey farms.  During these lean years, the Paradiso’s shuttled back and forth between Philadelphia and Haddonfield, New Jersey, where they picked seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Despite the long, hot summer months working in the fields, there was always time for friendly teasing and mischief. One can only imagine what it was like growing up in a family as large as the Paradiso’s. In her later years, Cass enjoyed retelling stories about life “down on the farm” and rarely missed an opportunity to spin family yarns to anyone who would listen. These tales were a great source of pleasure, and played an important role in the memories that enriched her life.

Cass did not finish school, but valued hard work, and lifelong learning. As a wife and mother, she was a gifted seamstress and enjoyed cooking, baking, family reunions, and was active in her church and community. For her, hard work was key to life success, and encouraged her children to be the best they can be. Their success was unquestionably a point of pride during her long life.

Cass is survived by her 4 Children: Kathleen Grudelunas Fermier, Elizabeth (Joseph) O’Leary, William Tropia and Thomas (Kathy) Tropia, as well as 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Visitation: Saturday, February 18^th from 9:30 -10:15 AM at the Church of St. Kevin, 200 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064.

Funeral Mass: Saturday, February 18^th at 10:30 AM at the Church of St. Kevin.

Interment: SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:  American Cancer Society, www.donate3.cancer.org