Obituary of Caterina Gallinelli

Caterina Gallinelli (née Mazzilli), age 86, died on April 5, 2021 at her home in Yonkers, surrounded by family. Caterina was born on January 25, 1935, in Rome, Italy, to Savino and Grazia (née Bruno) Mazzilli. She was the second of seven children. In 1955, she wed the love of her life, Tommaso Gallinelli, in Rome. In 1956, Caterina traveled to join her husband in the United States on the SS Andrea Doria, a ship that sunk several months after her arrival. They settled in Yonkers, New York. Caterina worked as a talented seamstress for many years. She was known for her creativity; she had a passion for sewing, gardening, cooking, and baking. Caterina was a consummate host, welcoming family and many friends to her home in Yonkers with great hospitality. She always had fresh cake or homemade cookies and a pot of coffee ready for her guests. Caterina was very proud of her home in Yonkers and the life she built together with her husband. In 1988, they purchased a second home in Orlando, Florida. Caterina is predeceased by her beloved husband of 45 years, Tommaso, who died in 2000. She is also predeceased by her parents Savino and Grazia and siblings Lidia, Mario, and Vincenzo, and her aunt, Vincenzina. She is the dear mother of Josephine Rinaldi (William) and Savino Gallinelli (Erica) and the cherished grandmother of Brielle Sensi (Brian), Nicholas Gallinelli, Jessica Rinaldi (Abbi), Stephanie Rinaldi, and Amanda Rinaldi. She is also survived by siblings Vito, Teresa, and Vittorio, and sister-in-law Anna (Rocco, deceased). Caterina also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, extended family, close friends, and several godchildren. As a Catholic, Caterina was devoted to the Madonna del Divino Amore, to which she prayed faithfully. She will be remembered for her genuine spirit and as a pillar of strength by those she leaves behind. She will be dearly missed. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, April 12th at 10 AM at St. John the Baptist Church, Yonkers with entombment to follow at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale. The family will be present on Sunday, April 11th from 2-6 PM at Ruggiero & Sons, Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Services – 732 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704 – (914) 375-1400 – www.frswfh.com