Viola L. (Morenzi) DiFolco

Viola (Morenzi) DiFolco, 94, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, at The Cedars nursing home in Cranston, RI. She was the wife of the late Antonio DiFolco, Jr. She was born in Providence and was the daughter of the late Antonio and Josephine (Zanghi) Morenzi.

Viola worked briefly at Coro Jewelry until she met her soon to be husband, Antonio DiFolco, Jr. As a dedicated mother to three children, Viola managed the family home with her boundless energy. Known for cooking delicious Italian meals without recipes, family and friends alike always enjoyed dining at our home.

She also took great pride in her home, which was always spotless. We fondly remember her picking up lint on the floor or constantly vacuuming and dusting. All this while making sure that our family members’ clothes were clean and dinner for five was on the table when Dad came home from work. Her passion and pride in running our household were truly evident. Viola also loved to shop, endlessly searching for bargains at Marshalls or TJ Maxx. We remember early on when money was tight, she would spend hours sitting at a sewing machine making clothes for her daughters, or even for herself. Her home and family were her true dedications.

Her greatest accomplishment, though, was raising her three children after her husband passed away suddenly in 1974. At only forty-three years old, she was left with the sole responsibility of raising two teenagers and a pre-teen, which is a challenge for even a two-parent family. But she pushed on, as was her nature, and willed us all through a very difficult time.

A loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she is survived by her two daughters Brenda Rappoport and her husband Alan, Robin Gannon and significant other Jim Mathews; her son Antonio DiFolco III, along with his wife Linda; and brother, Antonio Morenzi, Jr; six grandchildren, Will and Haven Gannon, Kelly Nuno (husband Trino) and Christopher DiFolco, Allison Conley (husband Chris), and Ryan Rappoport (wife Heather); and eleven great grandchildren including Vivian Rappoport; Violet and Henry Conley; Eliana, Leo, Estelle, Nolan, Colton and Lucas Nuno; and, Maci and Dayton DiFolco.

She was pre-deceased by her siblings Joseph, Edward, and Helen (Roy) Morenzi, Little Eddie Mariorenzi (died in childhood), and another son, Christopher DiFolco (died in infancy).

A small private Celebration of Life celebration will be held at a date and location to be determined. She will be buried next to her husband, the late Antonio DiFolco, Jr. at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Cranston, RI.

Special thanks to Viola’s daughters Robin Gannon and Brenda Rappoport for the endless hours extended managing her care, especially in the final few weeks, which were extremely trying. Also, our sincere gratitude to the staff at The Cedars, who provided our mom with compassion, dignity and love throughout her stay, and most importantly, in her final moments.

Donations can be made to

The Cedars

125 Scituate Avenue

Cranston, RI 02921

Her services are respectfully private.