Carlucci Moreno still as spirited as ever at 100

Louise Carlucci Moreno became one of Rhode Island’s newest centenarians on Sunday, and she celebrated her 100th birthday with family members at Wine & Cheese on Smith Street in North Providence.

Carlucci Moreno, who resides at the award-winning Cherry Hill Manor in Johnston, has what her daughter Ann Marie Fiorillo called an “unmatched spirit like I’ve never seen in other older people.”

”Of course, my mother came from a different era,” Fiorillo said. “Funny thing, she lived to be 100 years old and has never – ever – used or had a microwave.”

Louise loves playing bingo and trivia. “She’s got a whole century of knowledge to work with,” Ann Marie mused.

She was born Louise Carlucci, and back on April 19, 1947, she married the late Vito Moreno and became Louise Carlucci Moreno. The couple celebrated their spirited and glorious wedding at Holy Ghost Church on Federal Hill and later broke bread during a reception held at the one-time St. Liberato Hall in Providence.

“Mom only had one sister, Molly, who is also deceased,” Fiorillo said Sunday while welcoming family members. “And back then, most husbands and wives worked, and my mother took a job at Esten Box Company that was located in Providence.”

The Carluccis had three children – Ann Marie, Linda Carlucci and Peter Fiorillo – and Louise takes tremendous pride in having a half-dozen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“She loves each and every one of them,” Ann Marie saud. “As I said, I’ve never seen someone with as much spirit as my mother. Her spirit is absolutely amazing.”

Her grandson David Fiorillo – Ann Marie’s son – also hosted a gala pre-100th birthday celebration at The Black Duck Tavern and Restaurant in East Providence.

“It was a wonderful party,” Ann Marie said. “My mother was thrilled and so was every one of our family and friends who showed up. The food was fabulous and mom was thrilled, excited and, as usual, very, very appreciative that all her family could be there.”