Evelyn M. Cercone

Evelyn Mae (Amantea) Cercone, 91, of Trafford, passed away in her sleep Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. Eve was born and raised on a farm near Pitcairn. She was the daughter of Italian immigrants, Guiseppe Amantea and Filomena Vescio, and one of the youngest members of a large family of brothers and sisters who all predeceased her. The Amantea family built and operated the PennMor Hotel near Pitcairn, and both Eve and her identical twin, Helen, worked there as servers. That's where Eve met her husband of 69 years, Domenick Cercone, of neighboring Trafford, who was working at the nearby railroad yard. After marrying in 1950 and spending some time in Chicago, Evelyn and Domenick returned to open an appliance store in Pitcairn and build a house in Trafford. They raised their children and operated a TV repair service there for many years, although later in life Eve also took on a second career as a cook at several local rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. Until Dom's death in 2019, the pair enjoyed traveling, attending antique auctions, buying German wine, trying new Chinese restaurants and cooking magnificent Italian dinners for their friends and relatives. Eve would often be teased that she cooked enough at these events to feed the entire Roman Army just in case they happened to drop by. Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Karen Rose (Julia Ecklar) Cercone, son, Adam (Vicky) Cercone, granddaughter, Dana Marie (Corie) Bardo, grandson, Antonio Domenick Cercone, and great-grandson, Ryder James Bardo, as well as many nieces and nephews. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no viewing or funeral service. VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC., 463 Athena Drive, Delmont, 724-468-1177, has been entrusted with the arrangements. Entombment will be in Twin Valley Memorial Park. Instead of gifts, the family requests that friends and relatives donate to a local food bank of their choice, in honor of Evelyn's joy in feeding everyone she knew.