Bench dedicated to late Trafford supporter, restaurant owner

When Renee Cappetta died last July, Trafford not only lost the person who owned and operated the popular Parente’s Ristorante, but the borough lost a big booster.

“She did so much for the town. She did all the light-up nights and did the festivals. She gave so much for town, we felt it would be nice to do something for her,” said a longtime friend, Mary Signore of Trafford.

What Signore and a group of her friends did was raise about $3,000 to purchase a black granite bench in Cappetta’s memory.

With the blessing of borough officials, the bench has been placed in front of the Trafford Borough Building at 414 Brinton Ave.

It will be unveiled at noon Saturday, when Trafford Mayor Ed Llewellyn will be among the speakers at the dedication ceremonies, Signore said. Her family is expected to attend.

Cappetta’s name is etched in the bench, as well as a drawing of an angel. The bench is inscribed with a verse from a paper Cappetta, who was 63, kept with her during treatment for liver cancer.

The inscription reads: “The devil whispered in my ear,`you are not strong enough to withstand the storm.’ Today I whispered in the devil’s ear, `I am the storm.”’

They were able to raise the money to buy the bench from Rome Monument Nelson Branch in East McKeesport by selling raffle tickets last fall, Signore said. Just about everybody in Trafford bought tickets to help buy the bench, Signore said.

Signore said she and a friend, Dot Moyer, had the idea for the bench and Signore developed with a design.

This weekend was selected for the unveiling of the bench because Cappetta’s birthday was April 21, Signore said.