Gaetano "Guy" Scilabra

Born in Burgio, Italy, on August 3, 1935, he was the son of Giuseppe and Vita (nee Gulisano) Scilabra. Gaetano married the love of his life, Nelida (nee Barbarskas) Scilabra, on December 17, 1960, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and devotion to family.

Gaetano was a man who found joy in life's simple pleasures and took great pride in sharing them with those he loved. An avid gardener, he could often be found in the summers tending to his garden. His love of cooking was equally well known, especially when it came to making homemade pizza and Italian pasta dishes that brought family and friends together around the table. A passionate soccer fan, Gaetano enjoyed following the game and sharing his enthusiasm for the sport with others.

Above all, Gaetano's greatest source of pride was his family. He cherished the opportunity to help raise his grandchildren, creating lasting memories through his guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support. In his later years, his great-grandchildren brought him immeasurable joy. Their laughter, accomplishments, and loving visits filled his heart and gave him countless reasons to smile. The love he shared with them was deep and enduring, and his legacy will live on through the generations he so dearly adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gaetano is survived by his wife, Nelida Scilabra; children, Dr. Joe Louis (Nazzarena) Scilabra and Vivian (Alex) Prodanovic; nonno of, Alexander (Amalia) Prodanovic, Marissa (Richard) Smallwood, Julia (Dr. Luca) Mastrantonio, Chloe Prodanovic, Dr. Gabriele Scilabra, and Lucas Prodanovic; great-grandfather of, Decker Smallwood, Landon Smallwood, and Caleb Prodanovic; brother of Laura Oliveri.

A memorial visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Prayers and words of remembrance will start at 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Link: https://www.stjude.org/