Madeline Priscilla Dionisio

Madeline Priscilla (Harrington) Dionisio, of Rockville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, at the age of 92.  She was born in Roslindale, Boston, Massachusetts, to Mildred Joyce and John Harrington, both of Charlestown, Boston, Massachusetts.

After meeting at a dance hall in Boston, Madeline became the beloved wife of 70 years to Riccardo “Dick” Dionisio, and the loving mother of Richard, Patricia (Chris Braun), Robert, Mary (Robert Brixius), and Daniel.  She was preceded in death by her 5-year-old son David, her "little soldier," whose light gave her strength and continued to guide her long after his passing.  She cherished her 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren who filled her life with endless joy. Madeline was also preceded in death by her sister, Mildred Calabro, her “Irish twin.” She leaves behind her two loving sisters, Marge Lavender and Alice (John Lawless), as well as many nieces and nephews, all of whom she held close to her heart.

Known for her kind Irish spirit and infectious giggle, Madeline was a timeless beauty who carried herself with natural elegance and quiet strength.  She was genuinely interested in everyone she met and had a remarkable gift for remembering names, stories, and milestones with heartfelt affection.  Madeline and Dick built a loving and adventurous life together, traveling the globe with their children, embracing new cultures, and transforming every posting as a Coast Guard family into a warm, welcoming home.  She was a generous and gracious hostess who loved spending time with family and close friends.  Madeline was a dedicated volunteer well into her 80s at Suburban Hospital and at Strathmore Hall in Rockville, where she created strong friendships and cultivated a deep sense of community.  Madeline had a natural refinement and elegance, expressed not only in her soft-spoken manner, but also in the simple things she cherished.  One of these pleasures was working at the Tea Room at Strathmore Hall, a place she was instrumental in creating over 40 years ago and where she volunteered for over 30 years.

Her family and loved ones are heartbroken by her passing and will deeply miss the kindness and unconditional love she brought into their lives.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 10:15 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, located at 4101 Norbeck Road, Rockville, MD 20853. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 AM.  A private burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date where she will be laid to rest alongside her son David.

For those who wish to honor Madeline's memory, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/) or the Leukemia Foundation (https://leukemiarf.org/).