NORTHAMPTON, MA – Lillie M. (Antonellini) Rigali, 94, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at the Reserve of East Longmeadow. She was born on May 31, 1931 in Richmond, Virginia, to the late Mario and Mary (McDonald) Antonellini.
In 1951, while returning from a trip to New York City with her friend, Lillie sat on the bus next to a soldier, Anthony E. (Tony) Rigali who was returning to Camp Pickett in Virginia. They fell in love and were married six weeks later. He was sent to Germany awaiting orders during the Korean war, while she worked in Richmond until he returned. They then moved to Northampton where they were married for 56 years before Tony passed in 2007.
Lillie graduated from Varina High School where she was co-captain of the girls’ basketball team with her sister Leona. She worked for the Methodist Publishing House and American Airlines at Richmonds Byrd Airport. In Northampton she worked for Norwood’s, Inc, then at Smith College in Food Service until her retirement in 1991.
Lillie enjoyed cooking and baking for family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling and shopping with her girlfriends. Summer vacations were spent two weeks a year visiting her family in Richmond. Tony promised her mother he would bring her home every year and he kept his word. Tony and Lillie enjoyed going to tag sales and setting up flea markets. They could be found on the weekends at the Route 47 flea market or at home on Munroe Street.
Besides her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her grandson, Keanu Rigali, her siblings, Josephine Farkas, Leo and Mario Antonellini. She also lost her sister Leona (Antonellini), brother-in-law Joseph and niece Brenda Popiolek in a car accident in 1983.
She is survived by her children Anthony (Tony) Jr. of Southwick, Liana Charter of Chicopee and Brian (Barbara) of Feeding Hills, ten grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She also leaves her nephews Joseph Popiolek Jr. of Northampton, Michael Antonellini, Paul and James Farkas, all from Richmond.
Lillie lived ten years at Lathrop Home in Northampton where the staff were wonderful and where she made many friends. Thank you to the nurses at the Reserve and to the Brookhaven Hospice staff, especially Ryan for his exceptional care. The family will receive friends for visitation at the AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. Funeral services will be Thursday morning at 8:45 A.M. from AHEARN FUNERAL HOME followed by a Liturgy of Christian burial at 10:00 A.M. at Annunciation Church, Beacon St., Florence. Burial to follow in St. Mary’s cemetery, Northampton. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choosing.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes