Virginia M. Fato

Virginia Marie Camerlengo Fato of Collierville, Tennessee, and a native of her beloved Steubenville, Ohio, died on November 15, 2020, after a very brief illness. She was born on December 24,1921 and is preceded in death by her husband, Frank L. Fato, and daughter, Mary Jayne Reda. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Dominic and Ida Mancini Camerlengo, sister Helen Bonitatibus, and two brothers, Larry and Mario Camerlengo.

Virginia is survived by her son, Frank R. (Debbie) Fato of Hernando Mississippi, and daughter Marian (Rick) Waguespack of Collierville, Tennessee, where she resided. She leaves her five grandchildren: Natalie Meehan, Jacquelyn (Carl) Demetroff, Jennifer (John) Wadley, Frank D. Fato, and Austin (Kristen) Waguespack. Virginia adored her six great grandchildren.

Also surviving are son-in-law John Reda, sister-in-law Clara Camerlengo, brother-in-law Dominic (Moe) Fato, and brother-in-law Pat Patchen.  

Virginia devoutly practiced her Catholic faith. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Church in Steubenville, and later joined Holy Family Parish, where she was active in the Saint Francis Society and Perpetual Adoration. 

Virginia enjoyed music and dance. As a teenager, she was known for her dance talent and participated in many shows during her senior year at Steubenville High School (Class of 1939). Virginia was part of a musical group formed with her siblings Helen, Mario, and Larry, known as the Gondoliers. The one non-family member of the band was a close family friend, Dino Crocetti, the drummer. Dino went on to singing and movie fame as Dean Martin.  

She attended Ohio University in 1940-41, where she studied to earn a degree in Education. At the onset of WWII, she left college to assist her parents in their grocery store. 

Virginia especially loved vacations in Geneva-on-the-Lake, parties with friends from South Street, dances at Stanton Park, Sunday picnics, shopping, casino visits and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has left a lifetime of legacy and was the last surviving child of Dominic and Ida Camerlengo, who owned and operated D. Camerlengo Grocery for over 40 years in Steubenville. Virginia was an avid bingo and card player, who loved the many years she spent as part of the Greek Rum Club. She will also be missed by family dogs Liz and Mikie, and dearly remembered by all family and friends.

Memorial Donations may be made to Fayette County Animal Rescue, PO Box 44, Rossville, Tennessee, 38066, or to Holy Family Church in Steubenville. 

At Virginia's request, there will be no visitation or funeral services. Interment will be private at Mt.Calvary Cemetery. 

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneralhome.com