Piera Tedeschi

Piera (Galea) Tedeschi, 89, of Cranston, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, with her four beloved daughters by her side. Born in Calabria, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Giovanni and Teresa (Tricomi) Galea. She was the beloved wife of Alberto Tedeschi; they had been married for 67 years prior to his passing in 2023.

Her quiet strength and determination were self-evident from a very young age. She traveled alone at the age of 19 aboard the Andrea Doria from Italy to America. Her focus was being able to work, with the hopes of earning enough to purchase her wedding gown and two bridesmaids’ dresses—one pink and one blue. Once this had been accomplished, Piera returned to Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, Italy, to marry the love of her life, Alberto. After they wed, they returned to America to raise their four daughters and build a better life—the true American dream.

A devoted and cherished wife, mother, and Nana, she was the epitome of a caregiver and found her greatest joy in caring for others, not limited to her family. The definition of selflessness, she put others first, sharing her passion for cooking and baking as an extension of her love. Preparing traditional Italian cuisine gave her immense joy, making sure that it always included a “pinch of love.”

A firecracker in spirit with a smile that lit up any room—who also happened to be born on the 4th of July—her courage, strength, and willpower were most evident in how she persevered, defying the odds no matter what life handed to her.

She is survived by her four beloved daughters: Anna Hanley and her husband Bob, Teresa Tedeschi, Paula Tedeschi-Moran and her fiancé Corina Patriquin, and Daniela Tedeschi. She was the cherished grandmother of Sophia and Emma Hanley, Olivia and Ava Tedeschi-Moran, and Major and Kalani Tedeschi-Moore. Besides her twin sister, Maria LaManna, she also leaves her brothers Frank Galea and Robert Galea. She also leaves many adoring nieces and nephews in America and Italy. She was predeceased by her siblings Pasquale Galea and Giovanna Mesiti.

Her funeral will leave at 9:15 am on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from the Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston, followed by her Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchard Rd., Cranston. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4:00 -8:00 pm.