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PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. - Ellie Benza Gallucci of Pelham Manor died Jan. 7 surrounded by her sons, family and a friend at her side. She was 86.
She was born March 25, 1925 in Manhattan, N.Y. to Antonio and Madeline DiGasero. At 19, Gallucci began a career as a manager at Macy's in Herald Square.
In 1958, she moved to Pelham Manor, where she served as an Italian teacher and school administrator for 36 years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Gallucci is remembered for her keen eye for fashion and love of dancing. She was also a NY Yankees fan and an avid cards player, teaching all of her grandchildren how to play poker.
She is survived by her sons Raymond, Philip and Robert Benza, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband first husband Raymond Benza, her sisters Millie DiGasero, Nettie Mazzaro and Lola Maffia, her brother James DiGasero and her late husband Tony Gallucci.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday at Beecher Funeral Home in Pleasantville. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at The Church of the Annunciation in Crestwood, followed by burial in Holy Mount Cemetery in Eastchester.
Memorial contributions may be made to Phelps Memorial Hospital Center, Attn: Development Office, 701 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591.
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