Emelene Helen (Tomaselli) Aripoli was born in Portage, Pennsylvania on December 30, 1924 and passed away peacefully on October 11, 2013.

She grew up in a large extended family of Italian immigrants surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and two siblings. In 1942 she moved to Chicago and met her husband of 68 years, Dominick J. Aripoli.

Emelene was a gracious hostess who was a consummate cook, and will be remembered by family and friends in the Chicago area and Clearwater, Florida area who enjoyed her amazing Italian dinners, cakes, pastries and other specially prepared meals. She seldom used a recipe and cooked with an instinct and passion that was reflected in the wonderful outcome of her cooking.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anna Tomaselli; infant son, David Charles Aripoli and her husband, confidant and partner Dominick J. Aripoli.

Emelene is survived by a sister Frances Sartori; brother Anthony J. Tomaselli and his partner Shirley Shannon all of Florida; son Don and his wife Becky who have been with her in Springfield; grandchildren Matt Aripoli, Holly (Aripoli) Mosher and her husband Greg and Scott Aripoli and his wife Allison; nephew and numerous nieces in the Florida and Illinois area and her 3 great grandchildren Hudson, Graham and Mia who all have good memories of great grandma Aripoli.

A special thank you to the caregivers at Lakewood, Brookhaven, the Arbors at Lakewood and HPC Hospice who have all made the past 5 years so special and comfortable for her.

Memorial donations may be made in honor of Emelene to the Dominick and Emelene Aripoli Scholarship Fund c/o The University of South Florida Foundation ALC 100 4202 East Fowler Tampa, FL 33620-5455

A visitation will be held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 2200 W. Republic Rd. Springfield, MO on Tuesday October 15, 2013 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 2:00 p.m. and interment to follow at Klingner-Cope Rivermonte Mausoleum, 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave Springfield, MO.