Obituary for Luigi G. Borelli
Luigi G. Borelli, 90, formerly of Penn Avenue, West Reading, passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023. He was the husband of Anna Maria (Defazio) Borelli whom he married on July 19, 1964.
Born in Sersale, Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Antonio and Carmela (Talarico) Borelli. Luigi was an apprentice to the tailor, Francesco Corea. He continued his tailoring and design studies in Italy with some of the top fashion houses of the late 50’s. Notably, Luigi worked in Rome at the Sorella Fontane Fashion House.
In the 1960’s, Luigi opened his own Dress Shop, Luigi’s House of Fashion, on Penn Avenue in West Reading, where he sold dresses and ladies clothing that he designed and created for the public. He also sent an evening gown design to the White House for Jackie Kennedy’s consideration, for which he received a presidential acknowledgement for his work. Luigi also owned and operated Luigi’s Tailoring, and was one of Berks County’s leading master tailors for mens’ and ladies’ alterations from 1960-1996 into his retirement. Luigi and Anna Maria owned and operated Luigi’s Bridal and Formal, a leading full service and well-known bridal, prom, and special occasion dress shop in Berks County for over 20 years from the mid 1970’s through 1996. His talents weren’t just limited to his work with clothing. Luigi was the owner of several properties on Penn Avenue in West Reading. He could always be found making architectural designs for new building ideas and additions for his properties; whether it was for his storefronts or apartments. He enjoyed building projects and performed electrical, plumbing, woodworking, and carpentry.
Luigi’s favorite pastime was photography and in his free time in his younger years, he learned to develop his own film and created his own studio to refine his craft. He loved taking photos and enjoyed capturing memories of his family and friends. His other hobbies included a zest for self-improvement, whether living a healthy life or learning other languages in addition to his native Italian and English.
Everyone knew “Luigi” in Berks County. His family couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized and hearing about connections to him. Luigi was a proud man, proud of his work, his family, his legacy, and his heritage.
The family would like to thank the staff of Penn State Health Medical Group- Robesonia Family Medicine: Dr. Meredith Gable, Dr. Robert Mandel, and most especially, Kristi D. Leppien, CRNP, who had provided such loving and caring support for Luigi. Kristi advocated for and treated him with the utmost respect and dignity with an unwavering professionalism and dedication to ensure he received the best care until the very end. The family is so appreciative of the love that Kristi shared with Luigi and expresses their deepest gratitude. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff of Heartland/Promedica Hospice for their support and assistance. Their guidance and compassion is very much appreciated.
Luigi is survived by the family he loved so dearly, his wife, Anna Maria, children: Antonella Templin (Randall) of Sinking Spring; Anna Brogan (Michael) of Collegeville; Maria Neff (Keith) of Wyomissing; and Luisa Borelli Redfern (Brian) of Spring City; eight grandchildren: Lucas Templin, Noah Templin, Emma Brogan, Luke Brogan, Olivia Brogan, Hana Neff, Jake Neff, Ethan Redfern, brother, Giuseppe Borelli (Giovanna) of Sinking Spring, and eleven nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Serafino (Teresa), Angelo (Angelina of Sinking Spring), and Francesco.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church with entombment at Gethsemane Cemetery to follow. Viewings will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.
Born in Sersale, Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Antonio and Carmela (Talarico) Borelli. Luigi was an apprentice to the tailor, Francesco Corea. He continued his tailoring and design studies in Italy with some of the top fashion houses of the late 50’s. Notably, Luigi worked in Rome at the Sorella Fontane Fashion House.
In the 1960’s, Luigi opened his own Dress Shop, Luigi’s House of Fashion, on Penn Avenue in West Reading, where he sold dresses and ladies clothing that he designed and created for the public. He also sent an evening gown design to the White House for Jackie Kennedy’s consideration, for which he received a presidential acknowledgement for his work. Luigi also owned and operated Luigi’s Tailoring, and was one of Berks County’s leading master tailors for mens’ and ladies’ alterations from 1960-1996 into his retirement. Luigi and Anna Maria owned and operated Luigi’s Bridal and Formal, a leading full service and well-known bridal, prom, and special occasion dress shop in Berks County for over 20 years from the mid 1970’s through 1996. His talents weren’t just limited to his work with clothing. Luigi was the owner of several properties on Penn Avenue in West Reading. He could always be found making architectural designs for new building ideas and additions for his properties; whether it was for his storefronts or apartments. He enjoyed building projects and performed electrical, plumbing, woodworking, and carpentry.
Luigi’s favorite pastime was photography and in his free time in his younger years, he learned to develop his own film and created his own studio to refine his craft. He loved taking photos and enjoyed capturing memories of his family and friends. His other hobbies included a zest for self-improvement, whether living a healthy life or learning other languages in addition to his native Italian and English.
Everyone knew “Luigi” in Berks County. His family couldn’t go anywhere without being recognized and hearing about connections to him. Luigi was a proud man, proud of his work, his family, his legacy, and his heritage.
The family would like to thank the staff of Penn State Health Medical Group- Robesonia Family Medicine: Dr. Meredith Gable, Dr. Robert Mandel, and most especially, Kristi D. Leppien, CRNP, who had provided such loving and caring support for Luigi. Kristi advocated for and treated him with the utmost respect and dignity with an unwavering professionalism and dedication to ensure he received the best care until the very end. The family is so appreciative of the love that Kristi shared with Luigi and expresses their deepest gratitude. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the staff of Heartland/Promedica Hospice for their support and assistance. Their guidance and compassion is very much appreciated.
Luigi is survived by the family he loved so dearly, his wife, Anna Maria, children: Antonella Templin (Randall) of Sinking Spring; Anna Brogan (Michael) of Collegeville; Maria Neff (Keith) of Wyomissing; and Luisa Borelli Redfern (Brian) of Spring City; eight grandchildren: Lucas Templin, Noah Templin, Emma Brogan, Luke Brogan, Olivia Brogan, Hana Neff, Jake Neff, Ethan Redfern, brother, Giuseppe Borelli (Giovanna) of Sinking Spring, and eleven nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Serafino (Teresa), Angelo (Angelina of Sinking Spring), and Francesco.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church with entombment at Gethsemane Cemetery to follow. Viewings will be held on Monday, February 20, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.