Gladys Petrelli – 87 – of 61Delaware Ave., Hornell, died Friday morning (September 9, 2011) at St. James Mercy Hospital following a long illness.

Born in Torrice, Italy on March 4, 1924, she was the daughter of Frank & Felice (Orologio) Petrillo.

Gladys has lived in the United States since she was four years old.  She grew up in Hornell and was a graduate of Hornell High School (class of 1942).

She had been employed for a time at a shoe manufacturing company in Endicott, NY.  For 43 years she was employed at the former Huguet’s and later Stern & Stern Textiles as a “warper”, retiring in 1987.

Gladys was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and a communicant of St. Ann’s Church.  She was a member of the Ladies of Columbus and also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sons of Italy (Italian American Women’s Club). 

She was an avid reader and would read anything, including books, magazines & newspaper articles.  There was nothing that she wouldn’t read.  Gladys had many friends and was active in the “Class of 1942 Annual Reunion”.  She truly enjoyed her family, especially having fun with her many nieces & nephews.

Gladys was preceded in death by 1 brother, Angelo Petrillo; 1 sister, Pat Sciotti.

Surviving are 2 sisters, Santa (Walt) Cleveland of Hornell and Mary Petrelli of Hornell; 1 brother, Dominick (Myrna) Petrelli of Wellsville; 6 nieces, Angela Fee, Mary Klindt, Lisa Grady, Angelina Huffman, Michelle Petrillo and Debbie Barrett; 8 nephews, Anthony Sciotti, Michael Petrillo, Pat Cleveland, Mark Cleveland, Dan Cleveland, Andrew Petrelli, Jeff Petersen and Roger Petersen; 18 great nieces & nephews; 9 great-great nieces & nephews; several cousins.

The family of Gladys Petrelli will receive friends on Monday from 4:00 PM  –  7:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday ad 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Gladys’ family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to either St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Ave., Hornell, NY 14843 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220.  Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.