Maria Gesa Vivaldo

She was born in Calabria, Italy in the small town of Isca sull’ Ionio (Catanzaro) to Domenico Rovito and Francesca Betlemma Greco on June 29, 1926. Maria and her husband, Nando, were married on April 23, 1952. They moved to the United States and continued their legacy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. There, they built a loving home and celebrated their culture with their highly regarded restaurant, Nando’s. They retired to Melbourne, Florida, and continued to spend their years gathering alongside family and friends.

Maria was a talented seamstress, chef, and homemaker. Most importantly, she is remembered as someone who always welcomed people into her home, and someone who gave generously to others. Maria was incredibly excited and proud to celebrate her 100th birthday, this past June, with family and friends. She raised three daughters, Anita Vivaldo-Posser, Rita Vivaldo, and Marie Gallelli. Both Maria and her husband were extremely proud of their cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Frank Posser, Fred Posser, Ashley Moore, Richard Gallelli Jr., Dominic Gallelli, Alexa Connors, Kara Smith, Emma and Nando Posser, Logan Robert, and Darren and Alaina Moore. She is survived by countless nieces and nephews, as well.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, her grandson Richard Allan Gallelli Jr., and her beloved husband of 67 years, Fred “Nando” Vivaldo (1933-2019). She is now reunited with them in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held at Life Event Center At Florida Memorial, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, US, on November 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Life Event Center At Florida Memorial, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, US, on November 10, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm.

A Graveside Committal Service will be held at Florida Memorial Park and Cremation Gardens, 5950 S US Highway 1, Rockledge, FL 32955, US, on November 10, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Reception will follow the Graveside Committal Service back at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial from 1:00-2:00pm.