Obituary: Gloria Tessaro Fiorelli

Gloria Tessaro Fiorelli, of Atlanta and formerly of Longboat Key, died Feb. 9. She was 91.

Mrs. Fiorelli was born March 7, 1920, in Wyano, Penn., to Jenny and John Tessaro. She received her bachelor’s degree in Italian language and history from Duquesne University and taught high school civics briefly during World War II. Her affinity for languages and intellect drew her to government work in Washington, D.C., decoding Japanese messages. She contributed to the war effort in her own unique way.

On April 21, 1945, Mrs. Fiorelli married the love of her life, Ralph Fiorelli, upon his return from the Pacific Theater as a Marine Corps navigator bombardier. He later worked as a flight instructor in Cherry Point, N.C. They had four children and moved around extensively, living in Pennsylvania, on Long Island, N.Y., in Upstate New York and later New Jersey. Their last home was on Longboat Key.

Mrs. Fiorelli was a multi-faceted woman, a sports enthusiast, demon Scrabble player, voracious reader, theater-goer, opera- and ballet-lover, worldwide traveler and quite the shopper. She loved dining out and loved her vast network of friends and family.

Mrs. Fiorelli was preceded in deather by her husband, Ralph, and daughter, Ada Waddell.

She is survived by daugthers, Gloria Pollock and Linda Fiorelli; son, Paul Fiorelli; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren

At 10 a.m. March 17, a celebration of life will be held in her honor at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, Catholic Church, on Longboat Key. In memoriam, contributions may be made to: Catholic Charities.org Catholic Charities USA P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, Md., 21297-1066.