Gladys Pérez Marinilli, loved by many

Gladys “Judith” Pérez Marinilli passed away peacefully Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, in her Rehoboth Beach home of 26 years.

A feisty, fierce, and loving woman, Gladys was always ready to engage in animated conversation and note the brighter, more absurd side of life. Besides her quick wit, she could pick up and speak any language. She lived by her motto, “It’s better to laugh than cry. Laughing causes less wrinkles.”

The daughter of Pédro Pérez and Teodora Segura Blanco, Gladys was born in Venezuela. She began working at a young age to help support her family. Among her notable early jobs was a stint as a radio singer and selling jewelry in a high-end shop in Caracas.

Gladys married Liberato Marinilli in Caracas and had two daughters. The young family then settled in the U.S. and grew with the births of twin daughters. Gladys was always proud and happy to help support her family, from Massachusetts, Maine, Florida, New Jersey, to Ohio – wherever her husband’s flourishing career would take him. She was an embodiment of a woman’s strength, providing a role model to her daughters throughout her beautiful life.

Gladys was the seventh of seven brothers and sisters. Pedro, Pablo, Carlos, Altagracia, Maria Elisa and Ramona predeceased her. Her husband of 64 years passed away in 2023, and her eldest daughter, Silvia, passed away in 2025. Her three devoted daughters, Gina Marinilli and Sheila Marinilli of Pennsylvania, and Shirley Marinilli Gago (Wilson Gago) of New York; the precious Pérez family and her beloved Ustariz family in Venezuela; and the Marinilli family in New England, love and miss her, but will remember her smiling spirit always.

Services were private.

Donations in memory of Gladys can be made to St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes.