Rotondo celebrates 90th birthday in style

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Long-time Johnston resident Kathryn Rotondo celebrated her 90th birthday in a most unusual way.

Rotondo – who was born Candida Pagano on July 11, 1924 – held her party at famed Lancellotta’s Banquet Restaurant at 1113 Charles St. in North Providence. As her daughter Rebecca Rotondo mused, “She gave everyone ample notice – for the last two to three years – that she would be having the party for her family and wanted everyone to come and have a good time.”

And, as Rebecca added about her marvelous mom: “Absolutely no gifts.”

Rotondo’s nieces and nephews, her daughter explained, “total 80. And 51 are great nieces and nephews, and there are two additional generations of nieces and nephews as well. They were all invited along with spouses and/or significant others as well as mom’s only surviving sibling, Frances D’Errico and two sisters in laws. The Rotondo side of the family was well-represented.”

However, as Rebecca later explained about her mother’s milestone, “in the large and extended Pagano family from Cranston, mom is the first to reach 90.” Kathryn is one of 11 children, nine of whom passed away at relatively young ages.

Upon their arrival at Lancellotta’s, guests enjoyed a beautifully crafted and unique cheese and fruit table. A small melon was carved in the shape of a chicken, and when it was lifted there were four grapes underneath to signify eggs.

Each place setting was also unique and included a printed menu of the full-course, family-style dinner with prime rib and roasted chicken. The appetizer was calamari.

The tabletops featured wine and soda, and when it was time for dessert spumoni was served along with an assortment of cupcakes and individually wrapped chocolates with 90 embossed in white chocolate replicating a paper doily.

Gemini, a local group noted for its Italian music and performances at church feasts, provided entertainment.

“This was not a typical 90-year-old’s birthday party by any means,” Rebecca said. “It was a rocking fun party with people out of their seats and having a great time.”

Kathryn lived in Cranston until she married her late husband Frank, who took part in building their custom home in Johnston.

“It was one of the first houses built in the neighborhood,” Rebecca remembers. “Unfortunately, Frank did not live long enough to enjoy the house, as he passed away in 1954 and I wasn’t even one year old.” The house has since been passed down to Rebecca, Kathryn and Frank’s daughter, and Kathryn still resides there.

Kathryn is also known as a long-time poker tournament player at the Johnston Senior Center, and at the party she received a special citation from Johnston state Rep. Stephen Ucci in honor of her 90th birthday. Ucci is also a long-time friend of the Rotondo family.

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