Obituary of Dorothy M. (Matisko) Lonardi

Dorothy M. Lonardi, 93 of Harrisburg, died peacefully on April 19, 2023. Born on October 10, 1929 in Edwardsville, PA, she was the daughter of John and Mary (Wallo) Matisko. Dottie, as she was called, was an incredibly selfless individual who gave in so many ways to others but never expected or even wanted anything in return. She was kind, gentle, convivial and an amazing cook. She loved to entertain and could easily feed 25 around her Sunday dinner table. The more that came to dinner, the happier it made her. Since 1954, she was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. At first, Dottie was involved in St. Francis as her children were going through the parochial grade school, but over the years, she maintained her extensive involvement and was a staple figure in most church activities. She served as President, Treasurer, and Secretary of Parish Council, Chair of major fund-raising efforts such as Hoagie Sales, Parish dances, Annual Fall Bazaars, and most notable, ran a very successful Summer Festival for 13 years. She also kept the church altar in pristine condition, ironing altar linens, setting up decorations, etc. Additionally, she was a lector, choir member, and cantor for more years than one can count. All these efforts were done with little fanfare, often in the background, and all as a labor of love. Dottie was the dedicated wife to husband, Carlo, who preceded her in death. She was also a wonderful, loving mother and a dedicated grandmother. She is survived by children Carol Lonardi and Bud Rowe of Harrisburg, Barbara Lonardi and Lois Wagner of Charlottesville VA, Beverly and Timothy Spear of Harrisburg, Emilie Lonardi and Jan May of York, Carlo and Teresa Lonardi of Elizabethtown, David and Lisa Lonardi of Harrisburg, and 12 grandchildren: Chelsea, Tony (Kiersten), Angeline (Dan Massett), Jared, Nick, Patrice, Joe, Jacob, Josh, Marena, Damian and Marina MacNamara. Viewing will be held on May 1 from 6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Gilbert L. Dailey Funeral Home, 650 S. 28th St., Harrisburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on May 2 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with the Most Reverend Kevin C. Rhoades and Father Kevin Thompson officiating. A private burial will be held at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1439 Market Street Harrisburg, PA 17103 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Central PA, 2040 Linglestown Road, Suite 104, Harrisburg, PA 17110. The Dailey Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lonardi family.