Mary L. Rondinella

Mary L. Rondinella, 85, a longtime resident of Dover died early Friday morning, May 12, 2017 in the Hennis Care Centre at Dover following an extended illness.

Mary retired in 1996 as librarian at the Dover Public Library following 17 years of service. She was known as the “Story lady” having read stories to numerous children over her tenure at the library. She was also a librarian at Tuscarawas Central Catholic School library.

Born April 28, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Saturno and Adeline (Milyiori) Rossi. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her sister and brother in law Rose and Bryce Dreher.


She was a devoted member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and member of the Secular Franciscans, former Christian Mothers, and started the Youth Folk Group in the church. She was devoted to her faith in God through her Lord Jesus Christ. She was a 1951 graduate of St. Joseph High School. She will be remembered for her outstanding cooking and baking and known for her spaghetti. She was also a lover of music and was an avid reader.

Mary will be sadly missed by her family including her husband of nearly 64 years, Ted “Popeye” Rondinella with whom she married on June 13, 1953; two daughters, Adeline (Clifford) Baker of North Canton, and Christine (Rob) Carter of Upper Arlington; three grandchildren, Eric Baker of Pittsburgh, Pa., Amanda Carter of Columbus and Tim Carter of North Canton; a brother and sister in law Frank and Gail Rossi of Dover and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mary's family would like to thank the staff and her many friends at Hennis Care Centre for the wonderful love and care she received during her stay.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 16, 2017 beginning at 11am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Interment will be in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover on Monday from 4-7pm with Christian Wake services at 6:45pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 N. Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622 or Tuscarawas Central Catholic School, 777 3rd St. N.E., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663