Obituary of Kathleen Gelo

Kathleen Micarelli Gelo On May 7 following a 10 + year battle with breast cancer, Kathleen joined her mother in heaven. During the years of her battle, all around her admired the extraordinary courage and strength that she displayed. She approached each new challenge with a positive attitude and with optimism that she could overcome it. Even in the face of severe distress and pain, she would often respond to her care providers at Sloan-Kettering that “others had it worse than she.” It was during this period that Kathy became an avid reader in a variety of topics, but especially focused on building her faith in God through reading, prayer and meditation. Despite the pain and discomfort that she experienced, she often told friends that cancer had allowed her to become a better person and to grow spiritually. Born as Kathleen Micarelli in Camden NJ on Dec. 31, 1953, she grew up in Glendora NJ in South Jersey where she graduated high school. In 1985, she met her partner Joe who she married on August 27, 1988. They were looking forward to the celebration of 25 years together this coming August. During their years of marriage, Joe’s employment resulted in three relocations during which Kathy obtained employment with Fisher Scientific as a customer service rep. Remarkably, during each of these relocations; Kathy was also able to maintain her employment with Fisher at the new location. This is a testimony to her hard work and dependability. Over the years they enjoyed travel to multiple locations for vacations and spent time together expanding their mutual interests and relationship. Kathy was a person of faith and family and has always remained close to her siblings despite the distance. She is survived by sister; Deborah (husband James) Simone and nieces Angela (husband Chris Wilbert), Amanda and nephew James. She also has two grand-nieces Angeline and Isabel and a grand-nephew, Christopher. Her other sister, Joanne (husband Ralph) Iorio reside in Marco Island, FL with nephew Vincent and niece Jessica. Kathy was also deeply loved by her extended family including Joe’s brother; Charles (wife Monica) Gelo along with nieces Adriana (husband Michael Eriksen), Germain (husband Colin Stewart) and Bernadette (husband Bobby Forloine) and nephew Robert. In addition, she had two grand- nieces, Madeline and Mary; and three grand nephews; Robert-Michael; Finn and Benjamin. She is also survived by Joe’s other brother; Tom (deceased wife Lucille) and nieces, Erica and Gina and nephew Thomas (wife Erika) along with grand-niece, Adelaide and grand- nephew, Luca. All will deeply miss Kathy’s energy, vitality and love. Funeral from the Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave. Denville, NJ, www.normandean.com on Saturday May 11,2013 at 9:30 AM for a 10:30 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial Mass at St. Mary’s RC Church in Denville, NJ. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 5-9 PM. Please share a memory of Kathleen by lighting a candle on our web page. Donations are being accepted to Sloan Kettering P.O. Box 27106 NY, NY 10087-7106, in Kathy’s memory.