Gilda DiMarco – Feb. 24

Gilda DiMarco of Pelham Manor, New York passed away peacefully on February 24th 2020. She was 90 years old. Gilda was born in Manhattan to Sicilian immigrants Giuseppe and Anna DiMarco. She was raised in Manhattan and moved to the Bronx when she was nine years old. Gilda was an eager student who relished academics and learning in all forms. She attended Evander High School in the Bronx and would later receive a Bachelors and Masters in English from New Rochelle College.

After graduation from high school Gilda travelled to Rome for a year. She was an explorer, adventurer and lover of the arts. Upon her return from Europe, Gilda went into fashion retail. She moved to Brooklyn where she opened a clothing store for infants and children. In 1968, Gilda’s son James was born and a few years later they moved to Pelham where she worked as a substitute teacher at the Pelham Elementary Schools.

Gilda was an avid reader and lover of the opera and theatre. She devoted much of her spare time to the things she loved like singing, fashion and knitting. She also enjoyed taking trips to Stonington Maine every summer with her family. One of her favorite trips was her trip to Sicily with her son and her sister Elvira.. Gilda will be remembered as a strong independent woman who was caring, smart, witty, fierce, loyal, trusting and empathetic. She will be deeply missed by her family and her many friends.

Gilda is survived by her son James DeMartis, his spouse Gabrielle Brooks, granddaughter Rafaela, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Gilda’s life took place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham New York on Thursday February 27th from 4-8pm. A funeral mass took place at St Catharine’s Church located at 25 Second Avenue, Pelham New York on Friday February 28th at 10:00am. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gilda’s name at www.maryknoll.org. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com.

Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.