Erminia Matticchio (Erminia Motika) was born in Pola, Istria, Italy (now Pula, Croatia) on January 23, 1921. She was born in a culturally and historically significant Italian area. Erminia was raised in her homeland’s rich traditions, which shaped her ideals and approach to family and life.
Erminia and Vittorio Matticchio had a close relationship and raised a family that shaped the culinary and media world.
Emigration to America
Erminia and her family left post-war Yugoslavia for the US in 1956. She established her family’s prosperity in New York by introducing her Italian-Istrian heritage’s rich customs and delicacies. Her perseverance gave her children and grandkids new possibilities.
Vittorio Matticchio, Erminia’s husband
The 1911-born Vittorio Matticchio was Erminia’s loyal spouse and a key player in his family’s history. Vittorio, from Pola, Istria, observed the difficulties of transferring from Yugoslavian to Italian rule. Resilience and determination helped him protect his family during difficult times. Vittorio’s 1956 emigration to the US during the Istrian exodus changed his life. This brave decision helped his family, particularly his daughter Lidia Bastianich, a famous chef and restaurateur.
Vittorio Matticchio, the family patriarch, was hardworking and persistent. His dedication to building a strong foundation for his family preserved their Italian-Istrian culture and customs after they settled in America. He helped his family reach greatness by nourishing their ambitions. The 1980 death of Vittorio left a legacy of bravery and devotion. His narrative, along with Erminia Matticchio’s, inspires family endurance and tenacity.
Matriarch of a Famous Family
Erminia Matticchio was proud mother of Emmy-winning TV broadcaster, author, and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich. Erminia’s instruction and culture shaped Lidia’s love of cooking and storytelling. Lidia’s culinary success is largely attributed to her mother’s influence.
Erminia united her family as matriarch. She enjoyed her life with her family, including her children, grandkids, and great-grandchildren: • Lidia Bastianich
Grandchildren: Tanya Bastianich Manuali, Joe Bastianich
Miles, Olivia, Ethan, Julia, and Lorenzo Bastianich are great-grandchildren.
Erminia’s compassion, intelligence, and cooking talents influenced others beyond her family.
Older Ages
Erminia Matticchio, who turned 100 in New York on January 23, 2021, enjoyed an incredible life. The happy event was shared with her beloved family. Despite her elderly age, she was active in her family.
A unexpected illness killed her on February 14, 2021, in Queens, New York. Her death ended an era for the Matticchio family and the culinary community that revered her.
Honors and Legacy
Her family and Italian-American community grieved Erminia Matticchio’s death. ISDA and La Gazzetta Italiana and Corriere della Sera honored her life and legacy.
Erminia’s daughter, Lidia Bastianich, shared her mother’s stories and ideals in interviews and on her television shows, inspiring future generations.
Conclusion
Erminia Matticchio’s life showed endurance, love, and family’s strength. She made an indelible mark from her childhood in Istria to her leadership of a culinary dynasty. Her descendants and the many others affected by her stories, recipes, and spirit carry on her legacy.