Mary P. (Pesane) Gelormini's Obituary
Mary P. Gelormini, 96, passed away on January 8, 2017, at St Joseph’s Hospital after a short illness. She was born in Rochester, NY on March 14, 1920 to parents Vincenzo and Addorolata Pisani. She attended North High School and worked as a seamstress at Learbury Clothing Manufacturer along with her sister Palma.
After World War II she married the love of her life Carmen “Chick” Gelormini. They then headed west to Buffalo where he attended the University of Buffalo Medical School. She supported him while he attended school by working to pay the rent. They rented a room for a time with an elderly German woman and her husband. They loved to exchange their favorite German and Italian recipes and had many meals together. Upon her husband’s graduation, The Medical School awarded her the honorary degree of PHT (push him through).
In 1954 Mary and Chick returned to Syracuse to raise a family of three sons. They settled in Syracuse’s North Side. They purchased a home where they lived for over 55 years. She loved to cook and created many of her own recipes.
In later years she developed a progressive neurological condition that eventually made it difficult to walk which required her to have round the clock care. She never lost her sense of humor and her mind was always sharp. She took great pleasure in teaching her caregivers to cook many of her recipes.
Although difficult to leave her home, Mary loved to celebrate the holidays in her home with family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Dr. Carmen D. Gelormini in 2010; her sister, Palma Spensieri in 2013, and her parents many years ago.
Mary is survived by sons, John of Liverpool, Dr. Joseph (Jackie) of Buffalo and Jay of Syracuse; grandchildren, Lisa, Jeffrey and Susanne; great-grandchildren, Eva and Gabriele; brother, Luke (Ruth) Pesane; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to recognize and thank current caregivers, Krystal, Tiffany, Kirsten, Talia and Brittany. Care was provided by AccessCNY and we thank program manager Natasha for her great assistance. Heartfelt appreciation goes to past caregivers Lisa, Jean, Lee, Marlene, Melissa, Annie and many others.
We also acknowledge the wonderful care by her physician, Dr. Sharon Springer.
Great appreciation to Juli for her kindness and love to our family.
There are no calling hours. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Friday, January 13, 2017 at Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery Mausoleum, Dewitt.
Donations may be made in Mary’s name to Advocates, Inc., 636 Old Liverpool Rd., Liverpool, NY 13088, an agency that serves the needs of developmentally disabled individuals and families in Central New York.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary P.?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary P.?
Share a story where Mary P.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary P. you’ll never forget.
How did Mary P. make you smile?
