Mary Farley Privitera - Obituary

ary Farley Privitera, 68, passed away peacefully at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, on Sunday, February 1, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by devotion, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and community. Born on January 17, 1958, in Norfolk, Virginia, Mary was the daughter of James E. and Jean Farley and one of five children. Growing up in and around the U.S. Navy, Mary spent her early years in Norfolk, VA, and Annapolis, MD, before settling in Fort Washington, MD. From an early age, she learned the values of service, resilience, and family. Mary spent most of her life in Fort Washington, where she built deep roots and lasting friendships. She attended Oxon Hill High School, where she met her lifelong partner, Frank J. Privitera. Their bond grew into 48 years of marriage marked by dedication, partnership, and shared dreams. Together, they founded Pizza Italia, a beloved local restaurant they operated side by side for 41 years. Mary’s warmth, hospitality, and tireless work made the restaurant not just a business, but a true community cornerstone. Mary was admired for her kindness, generosity, and the quiet strength she carried throughout her life. Many in the community looked to her as a mother figure, finding comfort in her food, her friendship, and her wisdom. She touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. Mary was generous with her time, attention, and love, always ready with a listening ear and a kind word. She was a voracious reader, an enthusiastic traveler, and a lover of the water, spending many weekends at the family beach house in Ocean City, MD. A faithful member of the Catholic Church, Mary was a longtime contributor to the Ladies of Charity at St. Ignatius Church. Her commitment to service was evident in everything she did; she gave freely of her time, her talents, and her heart. Mary is survived by her husband, Frank J. Privitera; her son, Frank J. Privitera (Melaine) of McLean, VA; her three cherished grandchildren, Alexis, Genevieve, and Nicholas; and her siblings: Sue A. Farley of Oxon Hill, MD; Kathleen T. Bernas (Elviro) of Sacramento, CA; James E. Farley Jr. (Kerri) of Blacksburg, VA; and William M. Farley (Lorna) of Melbourne, FL. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Relatives and friends are invited to Mary's Life Celebration on Friday, February 20, 2026 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill MD 20745. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 2401 Brinkley Rd., Ft. Washington, MD 20744. Entombment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD 20735. Please leave a message by clicking on The Memories Tab on the left side of this page.