Gloria Marie (Cecchetti) Massarelli

Gloria (Cecchetti) Massarelli, 89, of Erie, formerly of Arnold, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 70 years, Dario Massarelli; her parents, Frank and Linda (Buonopane) Cecchetti; her brothers, Elmo, Alfred, Eugene, Richard and Mario Cecchetti; and her sister, ilma Marletti. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Van Gorder, and son-in-law, Jan; four grandchildren, Reid, Evan, Drew and Tess Van Gorder; five great-grandsons; sister, Virginia Popovich; and many cherished relatives and friends. Known for her kind and generous spirit and for being everyone's adopted "MeMe," Gloria was a source of joy and comfort to all who knew her. She was the heart of her family, showering them with love, advice and care. Her food was legendary; she cooked for so many family members, friends and neighbors that she was lovingly referred to as "meals on wheels." A neighborhood child was even brought to tears when he dropped a plate of her famous spaghetti. Gloria loved to travel and to have heartfelt chats. She was always able to get someone's full life story in a single conversation. Gloria's work ethic was unparalleled. At the age of six, she helped her brother Eugene on his paper route (accepting occasional payment in ice cream). In her teenage years, she was so dedicated to her job at an insurance company that she missed her high school graduation. After high school, she worked at Westinghouse, where she would use her lunch hour to pick up a game of pinochle with her coworkers. And for a remarkable 50 years, Gloria owned New Kensington's Merle Norman Cosmetics franchise before retiring in her eighties and taking on the role of loving caregiver for her husband, Dario, in his final years. Through good times and bad, Gloria always had a positive attitude, impeccable style and boundless love. Friends will be received with viewing hours from 10 a.m. until time of service at noon Saturday, Feb. 17, in the GIUNTA-BERTUCCI FUNERAL HOME INC., 1509 Fifth Ave., Arnold, PA 15068, JohnPaul Bertucci, owner/supervisor. In lieu of flowers, you are asked to consider a donation to Hospice of Metropolitan Erie, 202 E. 10th St., Erie, PA 16503, Meals-on-Wheels Erie, 4408 Peach Street, Suite 102, Erie, PA 16509, or St. Mary's at Asbury Ridge, 4855 W Ridge Road, Erie. To leave an online condolence, visit www.giunta-bertucci.com.

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