Carmela Strollo Grimaldi, matriarch on a mission
Carmela Strollo Grimaldi, 92, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, in the care of her daughter and son-in-law. She was born Oct. 8, 1922, in Long Branch, N.J., daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (Aschettino) Strollo. Positive attitude and resiliency defined Mrs. Grimaldi and ensured wisdom, humor, and grace until the day she died.
Mrs. Grimaldi was one of 11 children, a middle child, with five younger and older siblings respectively. She married Angelo Grimaldi July 12, 1942, with a marriage spanning nearly 70 years. Mr. Grimaldi, who served in the Army Air Force during World War II, has been deceased since July 4, 2011, and in his wife’s words, “He picked a fitting holiday so he could leave with a bang.”
Together they owned several small businesses where Mrs. Grimaldi was the driving force behind the scenes of their success. Her most impassioned role was that of the family matriarch where she preferred a thriving, close family to any successful business. She was a young soul and joined Facebook, mastering social media in her late 80s, enjoyed playing the slot machines in the casinos, and loved daily activities as she believed being in motion was one of the keys to her longevity.
Mrs. Grimaldi is survived by her daughter Rachele Marshall and son-in-law William S. Marshall, with whom she resided; son John Grimaldi and his wife Dolores of Red Bank, N.J.; daughters Maria Geiger, Tina Paglia and her husband Louis, of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; and son Joseph Grimaldi of Tampa, Fla. She is also survived by one sister, her youngest sibling, Helen Cosentino, 80; also 11 grandchildren, one of whom is deceased; and 20 great-grandchildren.
There will be no formal funeral service as Mrs. Grimaldi requested a release of her ashes, which sums up the spirit and celebrated life of a woman who will continue to live on through her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Compassionate Care Hospice, 702 Wilmington Ave. B, Wilmington, DE 19805.
