January 1, 1930 - February 5, 2021
Gloria Salamone passed away peacefully at her home in Van Nuys, CA, surrounded by her three loving children. She was 91.
Gloria Josephine DelGaudio was born in Somerville, MA, the first of four children to Luigi and Emilia DelGaudio. She grew up in and around Boston, forever retaining her signature accent (and love of Boston Cream Pie). As a child of Italian immigrants, she and her 3 siblings lived a quintessential first-generation Italian-American childhood. The fond memories of those years and of her siblings and parents stayed with her forever.
Gloria moved to Los Angeles in 1954 with her younger sister Norma (joined later by her parents and brother). She could not have loved it more. That is, until she met the love of her life, Pat Salamone, an even quieter sweet soul, trained as a barber, who took her to Chinese food for their first date.
Pat and Gloria married in 1961. After 5 years they were able to start the family they had both dreamed of: daughter Lisa in 1966, son David in 1967, and son Michael in 1970. Pat at his barbershop 6 days a week, Gloria at home raising the kids. With their large extended family spread across the San Fernando Valley, a get together with relatives was always just around the corner. A joyous household filled with happy kids, a beautiful marriage and meaningful weekend adventures together. Gloria and Pat created a family and a home that people loved to visit and spend time at.
Pat and Gloria shared a wonderful life together until his passing in 1989.
Gloria returned to the working world after her loss, where she developed new friendships that would endure.
Gloria spent the last 30 years of her life doing what she loved the most: spending time with, and caring for, her own family. The greatest joy she had was being with her kids and their families, so holidays and birthdays were always spent at her welcoming home — jazz playing on the stereo, a martini in her hand and more than enough food for the table.
The closeness she had with her sisters Norma and Evelyn, and her brother Lu never waned. She adored talking with them, often times daily, on extended phone calls. A great audience, she loved to laugh and hear their stories.
When she became a grandmother, Gloria’s open and caring nature drew her grandchildren to her like buzzing bees to honey. They would burst through the door, artwork in hand, running to hug their Nana, excited to share their lives. They loved their Nana beyond words and she loved them even more.
Gloria’s relaxing demeanor was beloved by everyone. Her enthusiastic spirit and great sense of humor kept her young — she never seemed to age. She was an incredibly kind and sweet presence in this world who will be missed dearly by all who were lucky enough to have known and loved her. Especially her family.
Gloria was preceded in death by her husband Placido “Pat” Salamone in 1989, and her sister Evelyn Sylvester in 2018.
She is survived by her children, Lisa Smith (husband Wesley), David Salamone (wife Dominique) and Michael Salamone (wife Stacy), and beloved grandchildren, Anthony, Gloria and Joseph. She is also survived by her dear siblings; sister Norma DelGaudio, and brother Luigi DelGaudio (wife Susan), and her step grandchildren, Jake and Riley Shepherd, as well as the many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who adored her.
A private family graveside service will be held February 22, 2021, 9:00am, at the San Fernando Mission Catholic Cemetery where Gloria will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Pat.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to a charity of your choosing.
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