Bella V. (Tangorra) Aiello

HERKIMER — Bella V. Aiello, age 99, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 1, 2026, with her loving sons by her side.

Born in Herkimer, NY on May 17, 1926, she was the daughter of Philip and Mary (Buttiglione) Tangorra. Bella was educated in Herkimer Central Schools. On April 23, 1948, she married Thomas Aiello, Sr., with whom she shared a short but deeply loving marriage until his passing on September 23, 1965.

Bella played an integral role in the family-owned business, Aiello’s Supermarket, where she worked as a cashier and operated Aiello’s Flower Shop.

Affectionately known as “Babe” to those who loved her most, she found joy in playing the organ, singing, dancing, and cherishing every opportunity to gather with her siblings and in-laws. Her quick wit, playful jokes, and warm spirit kept everyone smiling and brought joy to every gathering. She loved traveling and took pride in maintaining a meticulous home for all who passed through.

Bella was a devoted mother and cherished Nana, the loving heart and steady pillar of her family. Her greatest joy was gathering loved ones around the dinner table, sharing a cup of coffee, dish of pasta and her unforgettable chicken cutlets. Her life was deeply rooted in faith, and she drew strength from praying the rosary. A faithful communicant of Sts. Anthony and Joseph Church, Bella’s devotion guided her through life. Though she is no longer with us, her love, traditions, and treasured memories will live on forever in the hearts of her family and dear friends.

Bella is survived by her two cherished sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas Jr. and Nancy Aiello, and Joseph and Evelyn Aiello; her beloved grandchildren, Adrienne Aiello and Kevin Markwardt, Thomas Aiello III and Jake Fitzgerald, Christina and Anthony LaPolla, and Alexa Aiello; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Alyvia Pizer and Gavin Pizer.

She is also survived by her siblings and their spouses, Michael and Joan Tangorra, Palma and David Calenzo, Kathy and Frank Barrett, and Janet Palmieri; her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Harriett Tangorra, Elizabeth Tangorra, Jetta Aiello, Anita Martin, and Paul Zito; as well as many nieces and nephews whom she cherished deeply.

Bella fondly remembered her siblings and their spouses who predeceased her: Vita and Joseph Palumbo, Frank and Eileen Tangorra, Alex Tangorra, Philip Tangorra, Lucy and Dominick Marollo, Rose and Greg Maida, Cosimo Tangorra, Richard and Theresa Tangorra, and Elaine Zito.

She was also predeceased by her mother and father-in-law, Joseph and Maria Stella Aiello; her in-laws, Francesca “Chickie” Aiello, Angelina and Antonio Guliano, Anthony and Shelia Aiello, Frank and Margaret Aiello, William Palmieri, and James Aiello, Sr.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Little Falls Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to Bella and the kindness shown to her family. A special mention to Bella’s caregivers, great-granddaughter, Alyvia, and her friend Alex for the loving care they provided over the last several months.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at the locally owned and family operated Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service (next to Hannaford Markets) 527 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Anthony & St. Joseph, South Main St., Herkimer, NY with Rev. Justin Thomas, officiating. Burial at Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer, NY, will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the Upstate Caring Partners George F. Aney Community Residence, 138 West German Street, Herkimer, NY 13350. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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