Mario Gallelli, 84, passed away on February 2, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in Santa Caterina, Catanzaro, Italy on August 8, 1935 to Cecilia (Riillo) and Pasquale Gallelli. He married the love of his life Triestina (Paparo) September 3, 1961. He then migrated with his beautiful wife to America in 1962. They resided in South Philadelphia for almost 27 years. Mario opened his first business "Gallelli Brothers Auto Repair" in Lester, Pa which thrived for over 30 years.
In 1989 Triestina and Mario then made the decision to move their entire family to Ocean City, NJ to begin a new endeavor by purchasing the Tahiti Inn & Apartments, which solidified Mario's business and family legacy. Mario enjoyed working in his much admired gardens at the Tahiti Inn. His prized gardens were a background for many photos that included family, friends, customers and tourists alike. Mario was also a very skilled craftsman who was able to maintain and repair whatever came his way. The most prized possession of Mario's life was his family, from sharing in big occasions to Sunday family dinners. Mario was also strong in his faith and was a parishioner of Saint Damien's Parrish in Ocean City, NJ.
Mario is survived by: His wife Triestina Gallelli, son: Pasquale J. Gallelli (Antonette), daughter: Cecilia Gallelli-Keyes (Douglas & Dylan D'Alfanso), son: Franco Gallelli (Lori), brother: Victorio Gallelli (Maria), sister: Maria Cecilia Gallelli, sister-in-law: Maria Gallelli, and his grandchildren: Mario, Carlo and Julianna Gallelli, Joseph and Luciano Keyes, Franco Gallelli. Mario is preceded in death by his father Pasquale Gallelli, mother Cecilia Rillio, and his brother Joseph Gallelli.
A viewing for Mario will be held, Friday February 7, 2020 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at The Godfrey Funeral Home, 4008 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township, NJ and again on Saturday February 8, 2020 from 9:00am – 10:30am at St. Augustine RC of St Damien Parish, 1310 Ocean Avenue, Ocean City, NJ, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow. Entombment will be held on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Mario Gallelli to the following: Ocean City Education Foundation, www.ocnjef.com or The Children's Hospital Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia PA 19178, is appreciated by the family.
