Born June 7, 1948, Departed June 30, 2024

Giulia Paolilli was welcome back Home on June 30, 2024. She was born  in Pacentro, Italy on June 7, 1948. She immigrated to America in 1951 with  her parents and siblings, making Detroit, Michigan their temporary home.

After a few years and one visit to Mama DiCicco's cousin Rocco in Sanger,  Mama & Papa DiCicco fell in love with the central valley climate noting it would be great for growing grapes. Then in 1955, Mama & Papa DiCicco  would gather the kids and make Fresno, California their forever home.  After working different businesses, the DiCicco family would nestle  comfortably into the hospitality industry. Giulia would work side by side  with her siblings, while attending school. Giulia would graduate McLane  High in 1966. Shortly after graduation, Giulia would venture back to Italy in  1967 to wed Tony Paolilli. Giulia and Tony would have three children  together: Marlena, Simona and Christian.

Giulia and Tony would open a DiCicco's Restaurant with their partners Benedetta and Panfilo Primavera in the 70's. With their partners, they  would then, try their hand in the pasta making industry. But Giulia just missed being in the restaurant. So, in 1991, Giulia and Tony would start  the paperwork and construction on what would become Giulia's Italian Trattoria. The doors opened in 1992 and, quickly, Giulia's would become  one of Fresno's most beloved restaurants. Catering to the masses, near and far, Giulia was able to express her love of art, music, food and  togetherness through the restaurant. After having Giulia's for five years,  Giulia and Tony would take over the space next door to Giulia's and open  bb's Lounge. Then Fresno would have a place to gather without the  fanciness of the restaurant but a friendly place to hang their hat and sing a  song. Giulia would give a new breath of life to karaoke but she wanted it to  be the best. The best equipment, the finest spirits and the freshest oysters.

Giulia loved the people who adorned her walls not as customers but as  guests of her home. Guests would find refuge in chats with Giulia on her  patio as she doodled away, turning a simple bar napkin into a mini work of  art. She was a counselor, a friend, and a "Ma" to many. Giulia's guests shared in their most intimate of gatherings and celebrations with her, in and out of the restaurant.

In 2012, Giulia and kids would decide to close the restaurant of 20 years,  and the bar of 15. In that time, she dedicated to becoming the most  wonderful of Gramma's. Giulia would spend her final years surrounded by her kids and family. She was loved, dearly, despite her health issues, she fought till the very end. She will be missed, immensely.

Giulia was preceded in death by her mother, Maria DiCicco, father,  Pasquale DiCicco; sister, Lucia Santeufemia, her husband, Tony; sister,  Giuseppina LaRocca, her husband Carmine; brother, Alberto DiCicco; brother, Nicola DiCicco, his wife, Anna; brother, Frank Vitucci; and brother,  Roberto Vitucci.

She is survived by her children, Marlena Paolilli, Simona Pinedo and her husband James, and son Christian; grandchildren, Anthony and Christine Paolilli; sister, Rosaria DeFendis; brother, Paul DiCicco and his wife Rosemarie DiCicco; sister in laws, Enza DiCicco, Linda Vitucci and  Barbara Vitucci and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Sunday, July 14, 2024 at 5:00pm; Rosary will be  held at 6:00 pm, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 355 E. Champlain Dr.  Fresno, Ca 93730

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church,  Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10:00 am.