Lydia Borowy Obituary

Lydia T. Vitelli Borowy, age 100, of Erie, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025.

Born in Erie's "Little Italy" on February 21, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Salvatore and Rosa DeAngelis Vitelli.

Lydia embraced her Italian heritage with pride and joy throughout her life. A graduate of Academy High School, she began working at General Electric, where she met her beloved husband, Hank. Together they built a family rooted in love, faith, and tradition. She is survived by her children: Gary (Laura) Borowy of Erie, and Teresa Borowy of Erie. She was preceded in death by her sons Mark (Lois) Borowy of Waterford, and Jim Borowy (Maryann).

Lydia was a devoted grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Lashua (Tim) of San Francisco; Heather Coon (Michael) of Marietta, GA; Michael Borowy (Megan) of Pittsburgh; Chuck Borowy (Tara) of McKean; Luke Borowy (Jill) of Pittsburgh; Therese Borowy of Gainesville, FL; John Borowy (Kathryn) of Indianapolis; Maria Jones (Jake) of Aurora, OH; Jaclyn Messenger (Brad) of Erie; and Eric Presogna (Jessica) of Erie. Her love extended to 12 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her dear brother, Salvatore Vitelli, and her cherished sister, Rena Wierbinski, whom Lydia cared for as a daughter in their youth. In addition to her parents, sons and husband, she was preceded in death by her sister Lydia Vitelli and brothers Silvio, Tony, and Leo Vitelli.

Lydia's life was marked by deep faith, a love of family, and tireless service to others. A devoted Catholic, she attended daily Mass for many years, later watching it faithfully on television. She had a special devotion to Padre Pio and kept a well-worn list of names she prayed for daily-often adding to it with the smallest of writing so no one would be forgotten.

She worked as a cook at Cathedral Prep and Erie Day School, and spent 22 years at Fisher Jewelers, where she even prepared meals on a hotplate in the back room. Her culinary talents were legendary among family and friends, especially her homemade ravioli, lasagna, meatballs, and pasta fagioli. Lydia was a founding organizer of the Erie Catholic Women's Retreat League, a spiritual weekend experience for women across the Diocese, and was honored as one of the first women named a Lady of Saint Patrick Church for her dedicated service to the parish.

A woman of strong opinions and strong convictions, Lydia never hesitated to speak her mind-especially when it came to slow drivers. "That thing under your foot is a gas pedal-use it!" she would say with signature candor. Her generosity, humor, and fierce love will be remembered by all who knew her.

Lydia's family appreciates the great love and compassion the staff of AseraCare Hospice Care and Sarah Reed Senior Living provided to her in her final years.

Lydia now stands at peace in the presence of God, reunited with loved ones, and rewarded for a lifetime of devotion, service, and love.

Family and friends may call on Saturday, August 9, at St. Patrick's Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

National Centre for Padre Pio, 111 Barto Rd., Barto, PA 19504 or Harborcreek Youth Services, 5712 Iroquois Ave., Harborcreek, PA 16421