Michelina Retort

SYLVANIA - Michelina (Lena) (Grilli) Retort passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, in Sylvania,
OH. She was born May 8, 1933, in Hillsville, PA, to Berardino and Giuseppina (Pezzuti) Grilli.
She married Alfred E. Retort on September 26, 1953. They were married for 54 years when he
preceded her in death in 2007.

Michelina touched many lives throughout her work as a business secretary, teaching assistant,
and church secretary. Yet, her greatest joy was in her love for and time spent with her immediate
and extended family. Michelina drew strength from her faith and was active in many ministries.
At her home parish in Pennsylvania, St. Lawrence Church (now Holy Spirit Parish, New Castle,
PA), Michelina served as president of the Christian Mothers, Eurcharistic Minister, CCD teacher
for 26 years, and a Liturgical Committee member. After moving to Sylvania, OH, Michelina was
a member of Christ the King Parish, Toledo, OH. She also was an associate with the Franciscan
Sisters of Sylvania, OH, with whom she did volunteer work. For 30 years, Michelina was a
faithful auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary, Manteca, CA.

Michelina is survived by her children, Vincent D. (Cynthia) Retort, Pleasanton CA; JoEllen M.
(Kevin) Joyce, Sylvania, OH; and Sr. Lisa Ann Retort, ASCJ, Hamden, CT; her grandchildren
Anthony V. (Marissa) Retort, Orinda, CA; Meaghan E. Joyce, Chicago, IL; Gabriel J.
(Catherine) Retort, Corona, CA; and Bridget M. Joyce (Marcus Grubb), San Jose, CA; and her
great-grandchildren Natalie, Jack, Kate, Ava, and Grayson Retort. A sister-in-law, Angeline
Grilli of Florida, and many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces also survive her.
Michelina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings and their spouses,
Carmela (Ubaldo) DeMatteis, Dominic Grilli, John (Mary) Grilli, Elizabeth (Victor) Scarsella,
Mario (Grace) Grilli, and Albert (Angeline) Grilli.

The family would like to thank Michelina’s Hospice of Northwest Ohio home care nurse, Jen
Markley, and Dr. K. Smolen. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michelina’s memory
to the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Retirement Fund, 295 Benham Street, Hamden, CT
06514, or Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551.

Visitation is private. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on September 29,
2023, at 11 am at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Youngstown, OH, with committal following the Mass
at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown, OH.

Professional services are being handled by the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel.