Stella Allessio

1922 - 2025

Stella Frances Allessio, age 103, passed away on October 19, 2025, following a brief illness. She was born on April 8, 1922, in Hudson, NY, as the daughter of Victor and Laura Krisniski, and was one of eight siblings. Stella graduated from St. Luke's School of Nursing in 1944 and dedicated much of her life to the nursing profession. She worked at St. Luke's Hospital from 1944 until 1975, and then at Berkshire Medical Center until her retirement in 1984. Even after retiring, Stella remained an active member of the St. Luke's Nursing Alumni Association, looking forward to its annual gatherings and enjoying the opportunity to see and reminisce with fellow nurses and friends.

She wed her beloved husband, Michael "Mickey" Allessio, in 1944. They had been married 65 years at the time of his death in 2009. She is survived by her sons, Robert Allessio (wife Coleen) of Dalton, MA, and James Allessio (wife Karen) of Parker, CO; daughter-in-law Carol Allessio of Peach Tree City, GA; seven grandchildren Christopher, Timothy, Ryan, Kaitlin, Courtney (Matthew Ward), Jared Allessio, and Megan (Brian) Duquette and six great-grandchildren (Shane, Beatrice and Quinlan Allessio, and Isabella, Sullivan, and Murphy Duquette). Stella was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Charles Allessio; her son, Michael Joseph Allessio; and her grandson, Chad Allessio.

Stella was a communicant of the former All Souls Church and later the Sacred Heart Church. In her personal life, she was an enthusiastic Red Sox fan and an avid reader. Having lived for over a hundred years, Stella had many stories to share, including her experiences growing up along the banks of the Hudson River, her life on a dairy farm after marriage, and her memories of significant events throughout her lifetime. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren especially enjoyed her true-life stories.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Rose Benoit, her caregiver and friend of many years. Rose always treated Stella with compassion and respect.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 22nd at 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church in Pittsfield, MA. Calling hours will be from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the church before the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chad Allessio Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of FLYNN & DAGNOLI-BENCIVENGA FUNERAL HOME, 5 Elm St. Pittsfield, MA 01201. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.