A lifetime Long Island resident, Eileen grew up in Bayville, daughter of Police Chief Samuel (Sandy) and Nellie Belsito.
A graduate of State University of New York, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education, and continued her academics at Hofstra University, where she earned a Master of Science in Education, Professional Diploma and Doctor of Education. As “Dr. G." she devoted more than four decades of service to the New York State public school system. During her thirty-five-year tenure in the Syosset School District she served as reading teacher, Title IX Compliance Officer and school administrator. Although she retired in 1996, she continued to fulfill interim elementary school principal positions until the age of 85.
Eileen was an actively involved member of Rotary International for sixty years. She was the first woman President of Syosset-Woodbury Rotary and was selected as District Governor of Rotary District 7250 in 1998. Her contributions were acknowledged in 2003 when she was recognized as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.
A member of the board of directors of the Anchor Project 2009 and the Saint Edwards Missioners Group since 2012, Dr. Gentilcore was also the Chair of the Rotary Leadership Institute in 2011. An advocate for numerous causes throughout the world, she served as coordinator of Rotary World Health and Hunger from 2006 to 2008. She was affiliated with the Gift of Life medical mission in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong, China and Taiwan, as well as the Medical Missions to Russia and India, where she immunized children against polio. She spent countless hours at Ronald McDonald House Charities, dedicated to supporting families of children receiving medical care away from home.
The recipient of the Rotary International Outstanding Service Award, International Achievement Award, International Presidential Global Award, the Service Above Self Award and the Abe Gordon V.P. Outstanding Service Award and was honored with a Gift of Life, Inc. Angel Award in 2019 for her dedication in providing children around the world with life-saving heart surgery. In honor of her husband, James, she sponsored surgery for a boy from Kosovo that year.
Eileen loved butterflies...and tacos. She made great spaghetti sauce and meatballs and the best gravy at Thanksgiving. She loved filling stockings at Christmas. Despite her many personal accomplishments her greatest joy was her family. She will be missed by her sons Kevin (Bernadette), John (Leigh) and
Scott. Her grandchildren Kelly, Tyler, Connor and Kyrstin will miss their beloved “Grammy” and Nicholas, Benjamin, Grace and Sara their “Great Grammy.”
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Gift of Life, Inc., 475 Northern Blvd., Suite 22, Great Neck, NY 11021.
