GIANGRECO – Mary Elena (nee Gallo) Of North Buffalo, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2019 after a brief illness. She was 94. Mrs. Giangreco was born April 29, 1925 in Buffalo, NY. She was the daughter of the late Benedetta and Philip Gallo, formerly of Castellammare del Golfo, Sicily before settling in Buffalo, NY. She was the youngest of five children. After graduating from Nardin Academy and D’Youville College in 1947, Mrs. Giangreco obtained her certificate in social work from the University of Buffalo in 1951. In preparation for her occupation as a social worker at The International Institute on Delaware Avenue where she worked with Italian immigrants helping them settle in their new surroundings of Buffalo, Mrs. Giangreco studied three years of formal Italian to become conversant in the language. She found it very gratifying she was able to help not only the Italian population coming here to their new home, but also able to serve the city of Buffalo which benefited greatly from the contributions of these fine people. She was an active member at Canisius High School, St. Rose of Lima Church and Columbus Hospital.
In 1952, the former Miss Gallo married the late Samuel Charles Giangreco at St. Rose of Lima Church. Mrs. Giangreco leaves behind three sons, Samuel T. Giangreco, Paul T. Giangreco and Mark (Lisa) Giangreco along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives and friends may visit the Lombardo funeral Home (Northtowns Chapel), 885 Niagara Falls Blvd., near Eggert/ Sheridan Dr., on Monday from 4-7 PM. A Mass of Christan Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose of Lima Church, 500 Parker Ave. (corner of Parkside Ave.), Buffalo, on Tuesday at 9:30 AM. Please assemble at church. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Buffalo, Inc., 225 Como Park Blvd., Cheektowaga, NY 14227.
