BERARDI ISABEL J. (HODER) Of Moon Township, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the age of 91. Born in Martins Ferry, OH on September 14, 1926, Isabel was the definition of an entrepreneur. As a young teenager, she worked at the Glass House and ran a press at the Continental Can company. Raised in a large and humble family she started working at as a teenager to help support her family and that is what lead her to Pittsburgh. A proud American, Isabel supported the WWII effort by working at Ackerman's dipping bomb rings. She did such a good job, they shipped her to Pittsburgh to become a 1st class welder, where she helped to build the famous LST-750 Landing Ship Tanks at Dravo's Neville Island Yard in Pittsburgh PA. This is one of her proudest moments. At one point, Isabel worked at the Pittsburgher Hotel. Shortly after, she married Enrico Berardi and they honeymooned on the 25th floor. They tease it was love at first site when she arrived on the train to Pittsburgh from Martins Ferry. They met and that started for their long and successful journey together. Isabel and Enrico wanted to build a life together and start a family, so they purchased their 1st gas stations which evolved to a total of 3. Several years later, they sold the stations in order to launch the well-known and respected Berardi's Lounge and Restaurant on Fourth Ave. in Coraopolis. Isabel proudly used her excellent cooking skills to make everything homemade noodles, soups, sauces, salads, breads, puddings, desserts and so much more. In the early years of the 41 year establishment she not only fed the locals, she also fed the Rockwell international's presidents and vice president's who would frequent their restaurant daily for lunch for many years. She had many fond memories from those wonderful hard working days. She was also a mother of 3 girls at that time. A working mother beyond her time. A keen investor, Isabel owned several wig shops, and along with her husband she purchased land and local apartment buildings. Her savvy real-estate mind expanded to Florida. Over 20 years she purchased up to 4 condos as an investment and 2nd home in Madeira Beach. She loved her condo overlooking the ocean and the Florida weather. Any one that visited her she treated with them her amazing hospitality. She always served incredible meals with a delightful atmosphere. She also recruited other family members to invest and live alongside Ocean Sands and this made for many happy memories of eating and laughing and enjoying life on the beach. Isabel loved reading the newspaper from front to back needless to say she was extremely smart on all topics and gave wise advice to many. She also had a deep love of opera. Her passion for singing started early on singing in the choir at her Catholic church in Martins Ferry. Her appreciation for singing grew to include a deep passion of Luciano Pavarotti. One of her prized possessions was a gift of his painting that has his authentic signature. This large beautiful painting she cherished which was at her side till her death. Isabel will be remembered for her generous and entrepreneurial spirit, her warm hospitality, her incredible cooking, and her dedication and love of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be deeply missed. Everyone enjoyed her cooking and she always send home leftovers for everyone. She loved cooking and shared with almost everyone she knew. Everyone enjoyed her fabulous meals. We will greatly miss them. She aimed to please everyone and ensured we all had full belly's. Isabel is the mother of Joyce Krane (the late Rich), Anita Berardi, Cheryl Berardi and Edward Berardi (Sherri); Grandmother of Ryan Krane (Kerry), Michael, Mark and Aaron Bodrog; Austin Manuel; Courtney and Dominic Berardi; great-grandmother of Isabella Krane; sister of Dorothy DeFede; sister-in-law of Elsie Hodor. One of eight born to the late John and Mary (Pastor) Hodor, Isabel is preceded in death by infant Alishia Berardi, siblings Mary Vetanze, Francis Groza, Nancy Smith, Charles Hodor, William Hodor and Paul Hodor and her husband of Enrico of 68 years. She was a dedicated and loyal wife who took care of her husband in his late years that was beyond admirable. Visitation Sunday 2-5 p.m., at COPELAND'S Moon Township, 981 Brodhead Rd. where Blessing Service will be held on Monday at 12 Noon. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
