Kathleen Minutella

Kathleen Carol Minutella, (nee Masse), age 89, of Newtown Square PA., formerly of Wynnewood, PA., passed peacefully on April 27, 2023 surrounded by her devoted family. She was the widow of her beloved Dr. Jack A. Minutella, who predeceased her in 2015.  They shared 54 years of marriage together. Kathleen was a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy High School and Chestnut Hill College, both in Philadelphia.  

Kathleen is survived by her children, John (Michelle) Minutella of Allentown, PA, Lisa (Charles) Crawford of Bryn Mawr, PA, Christine (Chris) Cheeseman of East Norriton, PA, and Gina (Chris) Raiser of Wynnewood, PA, loving sister of the late Francis X. (Barbara) Masse, and MomMom to 9 grandchildren: Matthew, Thomas, Julia, Lauren, Grace, Ryan, Nicholas, Lila, and Clare, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

In addition to being a compassionate care-giver to her parents, husband, and children, Kathleen shared her remarkable voice and gift of music and faith for over 50 years. In her early years, Kathleen participated in many singing competitions, musicals, operas and shows.  She especially loved performing at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City with her fan club always in attendance…her mother, her Aunt Jo who was her first voice instructor and mentor, and her cousin Joanne.  Later as she mastered her skills, she studied with a voice instructor in New York City, and shortly thereafter was presented with an opportunity to study in Italy.  She was passionate about classroom music teaching and was a church and school music director and choral director for many years at Presentation B.V.M. Parish in Wynnewood, PA., where she also worked with countless brides and family members as a vocalist to carefully select liturgical music that she would prepare and sing for weddings and funerals.  In later years, she was the Religious Education Director at Presentation and she was a cantor and choir member at St. Thomas of Villanova Church.  She earned her Associate’s degree in music ministry from St. Charles Seminary in 1990.  She also participated in many music and liturgy workshops and took courses at West Chester University. She was a board member of the Association of Church Musicians, a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and a docent for the Philadelphia Orchestra.  She was also a member of the National Pastoral Musicians and the National Catholic Education Association.  Kathleen valued the time spent volunteering at her children’s schools, Merion Mercy Academy, Waldron Academy, and Episcopal Academy, and served on committees at St. Agnes Hospital in South Philadelphia.

Kathleen enjoyed studying Italian language and culture, travel, gardening and cooking.  She especially enjoyed attending the opera and Philadelphia Orchestra concerts at the Academy of Music and Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and performances held locally by the Academy of Vocal Arts.  In recent years, her comfort and joy was fulfilled in the company of her children and grandchildren with many great memories made at the beach in Avalon, NJ.

Relatives and friends are invited to Kathleen’s Viewing Wednesday 5/3/23 6-8 P.M. at The Donahue Funeral Home, 366 W. Lancaster Ave., Wayne PA, 610-989-9600, and Thursday 5/4/23 9-10:00 A.M. at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova University Main Campus, 800 Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M.  Interment SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA.  Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Academy of Vocal Arts, 215-735-1685, info@avaopera.org. 1920 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.