Nellie “Dina” Barretto-Gelb, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, September 21st 2021, now able to rest after losing an abrupt, hard fought battle with illness. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Nellie lived a brilliant, cosmopolitan life, sharing joy in the many travels she embarked on with friends and her beloved husband Jack. After working 10 years for SSA, Nellie graduated from New York and Brooklyn Colleges and proceeded to thrive in her career for The USCG in Public Health. Nellie then took her natural ability to bring a smile to the faces of those in need and built a successful career as a dental hygienist, working alongside her husband Jack. Nellie was extremely artistic and talented. In her youth, she graced the stage of the Brooklyn Music Academy and preformed an unforgettable solo. Nellie has always been the central point of the family; her home was a hub that connected friends and family, near and far. She was a masterful storyteller (and a terrific listener), a giving host, and a lover of creating unforgettable meals and cocktails for those she adored. Her love for art and interior design is evident in her home and seen throughout the images and memories we hold dear from the countless special events she curated. During the darkest times, Nellie’s strength, love and laughter always shined through.
Nellie was predeceased by her Father Marcelino Baretto and MotherIrma Cruz-Baretto and is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Jack, her Sister Sandy Rosenberg and her husband Jose, her beloved niece Ruby and fiancée Christopher, her nephew Joseph and his son Rocky, whom Nellie cherished and the countless cousins and lifelong friends whom she considered family.
Her desire to enrich the lives of the people she cared about provided unconditional love and support, homes, educations, careers, and stability to so many in times of need. The late-night conversations, holiday traditions, and her ability to make anyone laugh will live on in our hearts. Nellie will be missed by many, but she lives on in the bonds she fostered with those we hold dear, and whenever we honor her memory in the retelling of stories of the infamous Titi Nellie.
Funeral services will be held September 30th and October 1st for friends and family. For details regarding services or condolences, please reach out to the family at [email protected]
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