Lela Lalli

Lela Lalli, age 70, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025. She was born on November 20, 1954, in Calabria, Italy. In 1957, Lela and her family, including her parents Dominic and Caterina Policaro, immigrated to Ohio. Lela grew up alongside her sister, Antonina, and attended St. Christopher Grade School before graduating from Bishop Ready High School in the Class of 1974.

It was there that Lela met the love of her life, William Lalli (1953-2020) and they married in August of 1975. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, friendship, and devotion.

Lela spent over 30 years working for Lazarus/Macy's, where she was a beloved representative for Clinique and formed countless lasting friendships. She also spent many evenings at the family restaurant, Vittoria, in Powell, where she was known for her welcoming nature and her motto: “We treat everyone who walks in our doors like family.”

Lela is survived by her son Nick, her granddaughter Cara, her sister Antonina Inks, her extended work family, including Javier and Jamie Gutierrez, and many loving relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A Mass in her honor will be held at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 4475 Dublin Rd, Hilliard, OH 43026, on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Lela requested donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation or the American Lung Association.