Tina (Grillo) Mitrano

Tina (Grillo) Mitrano of Stoneham passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. She was 75 years of age.

Born on Friday, December 15, 1950, in Ariano Irpino, Avellino, Italy, Tina is the loving daughter of the late Matteo Grillo and Rosalia (Lambiase) Grillo. Tina is a warm, kind, gentle, loyal & caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, godmother, sister-in-law and friend who will be truly missed.

Tina was born in Italy in 1950 and immigrated to the United States in 1967, settling in East Boston. She embraced her new life in America while staying deeply connected to her Italian roots and traditions. In East Boston, she spent her early years learning and perfecting the skills she would become so well known for; cooking, sewing, and creating a warm home filled with love.

In 1973, Tina met the love of her life, Joe, at Azione Cattolica at Sacred Heart Church in Boston’s North End. Tina and Joe were married in 1978, beginning a lifelong partnership built on family, tradition, and devotion. Together they welcomed two children, Elisabetta and Stefano, who became the center of her world.

In 1988, Tina and her family moved to Stoneham, where she continued to build a life rooted in family and community. Shortly after settling in Stoneham, she partnered with her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law to open a local Italian takeout restaurant, Nonna’s To Go, in 1990. From its kitchen came unforgettable favorites such as Arancini and their famous Ziti, Chicken, and Broccoli, dishes that would become local classics throughout north of Boston. The restaurant’s success sparked a wave of imitators, though none ever quite captured what made the original so special. With no parking of its own, and little more than word of mouth to carry it, Nonna’s To Go nevertheless drew daily lines that stretched down Montvale Ave, a testament to the food, the love behind it, and the community it created.

Following her time at the restaurant, Tina went on to work in the Stoneham Public Schools, preparing meals for students across the district. Her food was loved by many, and she took great pride and joy in feeding others.

Tina later retired to devote herself to her greatest joy, her grandchildren. She lovingly cared for all four of them, cherishing every moment spent with them.

Tina was known for her incredible cooking, and her kitchen was the heart of her home. She found true happiness in preparing meals for family and friends, always ensuring no one ever left hungry. She was famous for her gatherings and celebrations, especially her annual Fourth of July party, which became a cherished tradition for all who attended. Outside of the kitchen, Tina found joy gardening and caring for her yard, where she loved planting flowers and creating a beautiful space for family and friends to gather and enjoy together.

Above all, Tina will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and deep love for her family. She brought people together through food, tradition, and love and her legacy will live on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Tina is the beloved wife of Giuseppe “Joe” Mitrano. She is the devoted mother of Elisabetta “Leesa” (Mitrano) Auciello, and her husband Joe, and Stefano Mitrano and his wife, Kiley. The cherished grandmother of Gino Auciello, Aria Auciello, Giuseppe Mitrano and Giuliana Mitrano. Tina is the dear sister of Maria “Pina” Falzone and her husband Salvatore, Giovanna Chiulli and her husband Umberto, Antonio Grillo and his wife Lucia, Frank Grillo and his wife Diana, Giulio Grillo and his wife Debbie, Patty Hanton and her husband Robert, Sonia Connolly and her husband Christopher, Serena Grillo, the late Andrea Grillo and his surviving wife Patty, the late Victor Grillo, and the late Rita Grillo. She is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, and 21 great-nieces and great-nephews. She was the loving godmother of Serena Grillo, Stefan Mitrano, Mitchell Shaughnessy, and the late Michael Mitrano. Tina also leaves behind her beloved Mitrano family of 8, along with their spouses, 16 nieces and nephews, and 8 great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom were a deeply special and important part of her life.

Family and friends are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Tina’s family on Wednesday, May 27th from 4-8pm in the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT 28) STONEHAM. Parking attendants and elevator are available.

Funeral from the Barile Family Funeral Home, 482 Main Street (RT 28) STONEHAM on Thursday, May 28th at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass Celebrating Tina’s Eternal Life in Saint Patrick Church, 71 Central Street Stoneham at 10am. Entombment Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in Tina’s memory to Autism Speaks by referring to the link below.

For more information, www.facebook.com/BarileFamilyFuneralHome