Published August 9, 2019
MELROSE — Gilda P. Perrone, 90, passed away on her birthday at the Aberjona Nursing Center in Winchester on August 5, 2019.
Gilda was born in Boston on August 5, 1929 to the late Peter and Josephine (Ciabburi) Lanzilli. She was raised in Somerville, graduated from Somerville High School in 1947 and lived there for many years. Mrs. Perrone and her late husband John moved to Melrose in 1965 and she has been a resident ever since. Gilda worked in the data entry department for Boston Edison and then at IBM for many years. Mrs. Perrone was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Church in Melrose, a great cook and enjoyed traveling with her late husband John to Mexico, Europe and other locations.
Gilda was also a lover of music and a talented drummer. In the 1950’s and the 1960’s she was the drummer in an all girls band travelling to New Orleans, New York and locally in Boston playing Jazz and Big Band Music. But above all else she absolutely loved her family and enjoyed many great times together.
Gilda was the beloved wife of 51 years to the late John F. Perrone. Loving sister of Phyllis Catalogna and the late Basilio Lanzilli and Rose Lanzilli. Loving aunt and caring family member to many.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, August 8, followed by a funeral service at the funeral home. Interment was at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend.
Memorial contributions may be made in Gilda’s name to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 N. Main St. #104, Natick, MA 01760 or to Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, 20 Burlington Mall Rd. # 261, Burlington, MA 01803. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com
