Gloria F. Biondi Ammerata

Gloria Fortunata Ammerata of Airmont, New York passed away on Friday, October 30, 2015, at the Ramapo Manor Rehabilitation Center after a courageous battle with colon cancer. She was 88. Gloria was born in the Bronx, New York to John and Jenny Biondi on June 15,1927. Gloria was the wife of the late Anthony "Mario" Ammerata and the mother of the late Deborah Anne Ammerata. Gloria is survived by daughters Patricia Gloria Ammerata of Mahwah, New Jersey and Barbara Mary McCormack of Middletown, New York, grandchildren Michael, Kari and Keith McCormack, sister-in-law Lee Heller and several nieces and nephews.

As the daughter of a notable musician Gloria grew up surrounded by musicians, composers, and entertainers. School plays, church choirs and glee clubs helped develop Gloria's love of music and stage presence. Upon graduating high school, Gloria worked in the Dollar Savings Bank and then, little by little, immersed herself in the profession that would be both work and love for most of her life, singing and entertaining. With her fabulous voice Gloria appeared at the Bronx Winter Garden, the New Terrace Garden, the State Armory in Yonkers, the Concourse Plaza Hotel and on Ted Macks Amateur Hour to name a few. She also shared the stage with Vic Damone.

On December 3,1950 Gloria married Mario Ammerata at St. Martin of Tours Church in the Bronx, New York. Gloria took a hiatus from singing professionally to raise her family, however, she continued to oblige family and friends by singing for their special occasions.

In 1966 Gloria and her family moved from the Bronx to Tallman, New York and Gloria worked as an administrator's secretary at Viola Elementary School in Ramapo Central School District for many years. She became President of the Ramapo Central Secretaries Unit where she negotiated for better contracts. Gloria also became President of the Mona Lisa Lodge No.2197, Order Sons of Italy. During this time she stayed active in local musical plays and the church choir.

In 1985 Gloria and her husband Mario moved to Leisure Village West in Manchester, New Jersey where they lived for 20 years. While living there she joined and became President of the Westernaires and President and Program Chairperson for the Organ and Band Club. While living in Manchester Gloria's great voice and personality earned her a spot in the 1998 Ms. Senior New Jersey Pageant at the Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

Gloria and Mario moved back to Rockland County in 2006 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Besides singing and entertaining Gloria enjoyed reading, watching movies, gambling in Atlantic City and the Yonkers Empire City casino, and playing cards.

Visitation will be held at Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home, 177 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901 on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Suffern, NY on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the interment to follow at Ascension Cemetery, Airmont, NY.