Obituary of Mary Gelo

Mary (Simone) Gelo of Glen Cove NY and formerly of West Hempstead passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 7, 2020 which was the date her wedding anniversary (July 7, 1946) to Settimio Gelo (deceased). She joins her husband in heaven after separation by his passing in 1989. Mary was born on August 21, 1920 in Dupont PA (which is in the greater Pittston area) to Thomas Vasta and Frances La Mendola. She was the third of five children (Thomas, Lucille, Micky and Margie) all of whom have previously passed. Her father was an immigrant from Sicily and worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania for many years. While the family had a meager existence, she always happily spoke of her life and experiences in “Pittston” PA. People at the Assisted Living Facility where she spent the last 5 years can recite her stories of growing up which she shared on numerous occasions. During a time when many women would barely complete grade school, Mary completed High School and graduated from Pittston High School in 1938. She later moved to New York for employment as seamstress. While she yearned to go back to her simpler life in PA, she met her future husband, Settimio and waited for 4 years for him to return from WWII so that they could marry. They were devoted to family life and providing opportunity for their sons, Charles (wife Monica), Thomas (wife Lucille- deceased), and Joseph (wife Kathleen – deceased) so that they could enjoy a more comforts. As the boys grew up, Mary took a job in a pharmacy where she enjoyed meeting people and making many friends while she helped them by translating their needs from Italian to English. Whether taking care of her family or working she always approached life with determination. Even in her later days at the assisted living facility, all who met Mary referred to her as kind and sweet and that is how we will remember her. Mary’s passing is 6 weeks short of what would have been her 100 birthday and her 8 Grandchildren, and 10 Great grandchildren were looking forward to celebrating what would have been a memorable and wonderful milestone in her life. Instead, she will celebrate it in heaven reunited with all those family members who have passed before her. May she Rest in Peace. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made in her honor to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital