Elvira Guilianti

Elvira was born on October 11, 1928, in the Bronx, NY, to the late Luigi and Carmela (Petruzza) Perri, both immigrants who left Calabria, Italy, to start a new life for their family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony, of 68 years, her sisters, Mary and Rose, and her brothers, Frank and James. She’s survived by the loves of her life, her children, Charles Guilianti (Lisa), Perry Guilianti (Cindy), and Jennifer Basso (Arthur). She was the cherished Nanny and Great-Nanny to Anthony, Julianna, Adelina, Serina, Nicole, Jay, John, Anthony, Perry, Mia, Amanda, Andrew, and Arthur.

Elvira loved all kinds of music. So much so, that she became an anomaly of her time, sneaking out of her parents’ home as a young woman in the early 50s to go to New York’s most illustrious ballrooms and halls so she could dance the night away. That love of music led her to find the love of her life, Anthony, where they met one fateful night at the Roseland Ballroom. In an instant, they knew they were destined to be. They married on January 13, 1952. The honeymoon was short-lived as Anthony was drafted into the US Army and served honorably for two years during the Korean Conflict. Once he returned, they began to grow their family and settled in Eastchester on Marbledale Road. Elvira was a homemaker, and nothing was more important to her than her children. She was active in the PTA, Brownies, and Cub Scouts, and her devotion to her children carried over two-fold once her grandchildren came into the world.

Elvira loved fiercely, a natural protective mother and grandmother, who went to the ends of the earth for her family. She was also witty and spoke from the heart, never wanting to put on another face other than her own. She was an encouraging and resilient spirit who inspired all those around her. She never let up and had her wits about her to the very end. In her final moments, surrounded by her loved ones, she looked around the room and smiled, knowing she did good in life by creating a strong family bond full of love, laughter, and traditions that will last lifetimes.

As one of her favorite musicians would say…“And if you should survive to a hundred and two, you’ll find there's plenty of livin' to do, if you are young at heart.”, Elvira embodied Frank Sinatra’s words, staying young at heart through the years, being an inspirational presence, and doing things her way. We love you Mom/Nanny, you will always be part of our souls and forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

A visitation will be held at Edwin L. Bennett Funeral Home, located at 824 Scarsdale Ave, Scarsdale, NY 10583, on October 21, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am.

The funeral service will take place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 8 Carman Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583, on October 21, 2025, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.

A graveside service will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 575 Hillside Ave, White Plains, NY 10603, on October 21, 2025, from 12:15 pm to 12:30 pm.