My mother, Elena, passed away on November 19th. She was born on August 11, 1934, in Prezza, Italy. One of six siblings, she endured profound hardship early in life. Her mother died when she was young, and her father was held as a prisoner of war in North Africa. With both parents absent, the children faced many difficult years. Her eldest sister, Nunziata, became the family’s matriarch, and together they relied on the strength of one another—and the support of extended family—to get through each day. My mother often told me how, as the youngest girl, her responsibility was to gather tree branches and wood to keep the fire burning.
In time, she met my father, and together they married and began a new chapter. Her immigration to the United States opened the door to a different life—one built through hard work, opportunity, and the eventual arrival of other family members. Though grateful for all they found in their new home, they never forgot where they came from. Prezza remained a place of devotion and memory, always carried in their hearts.
Some of my fondest memories are of our family gatherings at our house in Somerville, when all the brothers, sisters, and their families would come together. I still don’t know how we managed to fit so many people into that tiny home, but I remember the sound of constant laughter and, of course, an abundance of food.
My mother’s life embodied love, connection, and an unwavering work ethic. These are the values I hold on to—and the legacy she leaves with all of us who knew and loved her.
Elena was the beloved wife of the late Salvatore Gentile. She was the devoted mother of Joseph Gentile and his wife Ivana of Carlisle. She was the loving grandmother of Matthew J. Gentile and his wife Samantha, and Daniel M. Gentile and his wife Ariel. She was the caring great grandmother of Zoe Gentile and the dear sister of Mario Gentile and his late wife Rina, John Gentile and his wife Ruth, Ezio Gentile and his wife Marie, and the late Annunziata Forcucci and Panfilo Gentile.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Tuesday, November 25th from 4 to 8 PM, and again on Wednesday, November 26th at 9 AM followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in the Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St. Malden, at 10 AM. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Elena’s name to the Alzheimer's Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452.