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Visiting hours will be held Thursday evening from 4-8 PM at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday morning at 10:30 AM at St Timothy Catholic Church 650 Nichols Street Norwood. Interment at Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton, relatives and friends invited.
Cecilia R. (Riley) Tribuna, a beacon of love and faith, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Norwood, Massachusetts, on September 27, 2025. Born on January 15, 1934, in Boston, MA, Cecilia lived a life marked by devotion to her family, her church, and her community.
As the wife of the late Leonard Tribuna, whom she married in 1955, Cecilia shared a loving marriage that lasted until Leonard's passing in 2001. Together, they created a family foundation that would endure through generations. She was the devoted mother of Rosanne Tribuna of South Carolina, Nancy Tribuna of Norwood, Steve Tribuna and his wife Monica of Norwood, and the late Edward Tribuna. Cecilia was the cherished daughter of the late James and Sarah (McCormack) Riley and a loving sister to the late Mary Russo, James Riley, and Francis Riley.
Cecilia's warmth extended to her role as a doting grandmother, affectionately known as "Noni," to Sarah Medlin and her husband Aaron, Justin Tribuna and his wife Bry, Madison Tribuna, and Stephen Tribuna. She also delighted in the role of great-grandmother to Hannah Tribuna, and she was adored by many loving nieces, nephews, and close friends who felt the breadth of her kindness and care.
Cecilia's interests and hobbies were a reflection of her love for life and the people in it. Her voice was a staple in the St. John Chrysostom Church Choir, where she sang with joy and devotion. A longtime member of St. John's Parish in West Roxbury where she cherished the time spent with her fellow parishioners. Cecilia was a devout Catholic, and her faith was the cornerstone of her existence.
An avid traveler to Atlantic City and Foxwoods Casino, Cecilia enjoyed the excitement of playing the slots, often accompanied by her sister Mary and her nieces. These trips were filled with laughter and camaraderie, creating memories that would last a lifetime. At home, Cecilia was the heart of her family, known for her exceptional Mac and Cheese, and for hosting holidays where, despite her own admission of not being the best cook, her love for her family made every gathering special.
Cecilia Tribuna will be remembered as a loving, kind, and faith-filled woman who cherished her family above all else. Her legacy is one of unwavering support, compassion, and the joy she brought to every life she touched. She has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her, and her spirit will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends for generations to come.
As we bid farewell to Cecilia, we celebrate her remarkable life—a life lived with grace, generosity, and an unshakable belief in the goodness of others. She has returned to her creator, leaving behind a world better for her presence. Cecilia will be deeply missed, yet her memory will remain a source of comfort and strength to all who were blessed to know her.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Cecilia R. (Riley) Tribuna, please visit our floral store.