Paola Aniello, 1931–2026, emigrated from Italy and settled in Waltham

Paola (Pravata) Aniello, passed away peacefully on Feb. 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 94.

Born on Sept. 13, 1931, in the small town of Roccapalumba in Sicily, Paola was the cherished daughter of the late Vincenzo and Giovanna Pravata (Gatto). A loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and dear friend, Paola was a woman of faith whose life was rooted in devotion to her family. She married her beloved husband, Vincenzo Aniello, with whom she shared 58 years of love, partnership, and laughter. In 1966, Paola and her husband, Vincenzo, with their young children, immigrated to the United States. They both worked hard in pursuit of their American dream and within one year were able to purchase their first home in Waltham. It was the beginning of providing a beautiful life for their family.

Generous to a fault, hardworking and endlessly loving, Paola found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved. Paola was happiest when surrounded by her children and grandchildren at the dinner table on Sunday. She had a special gift with her hands and expressed her creativity through knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking, and baking, always ensuring her children and grandchildren were her priority. She always had knitting or crochet needles in her hands. She especially enjoyed crocheting baby blankets and gifting them to family and friends and most, if not all, of her family and friends have at least one of her hand-knitted scarves.

Paola was a dedicated employee who worked for over 30 years as an assembler for The Unitrode Corporation of Watertown, where she was respected for her diligence and reliability. After her retirement from Unitrode, Paola and Vincenzo took time to travel, making several trips to their beloved Italy. They especially enjoyed cruising to various destinations with their friends.

Paola and Vincenzo were active members of the Sons of Italy in Watertown. They attended all the dinner dances with many of their friends. They enjoyed dancing to great Italian music and looked forward to the New Year’s Eve dinner dance. For Paola these occasions were her excuse to buy a new dress with matching shoes and purse!

Paola is predeceased by her beloved husband, Vincenzo Aniello, her dear son, Frank Aniello, her son-in-law Louis Bilski and her sisters Vincenzina Pravata and Antonina Gatto.

She is survived by her loving and devoted children Jackie Burkett and her husband Michael, Joanna Johnson and her husband Robert, Angela Bilski, and her daughter-in-law Dana Aniello; her cherished grandchildren, Michael Burkett, Julia Burkett, Alicia Aniello, Vincenzo Aniello, Arianna Aniello, Matthew and Taylor Johnson, Kayla Johnson, Louis J. Bilski IV and Thomas Bilski who all affectionately called her “Nonna”. In addition, she is survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, extended relatives and dear friends, in the US and abroad. All will miss her warmth, strength and unwavering love and devotion.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to gather in remembrance of Paola during visiting hours on Tuesday, Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the main funeral home of Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels, 773 Moody Street, Waltham. A mass of Christian burial in honor of Paola’s life will be celebrated at 12 noon at Sacred Heart Church, 311 River Street, Waltham. Interment will follow at Mt. Feake Cemetery.