Gilda (Mangiulli) Iacovone

Gilda A. (Mangiulli) Iacovone, 96, of Worcester, having been surrounded by loved ones, died peacefully Wednesday April 11, 2018. Her husband of 62 years, J. James Iacovone, died in 2006. Gilda is survived by her loving family, her son Robert J. Iacovone and his wife Carolyn of West Boylston, her daughter Barbara A. Rojcewicz and her husband Peter of Bellingham. Gilda also leaves her grandchildren and their spouses, Trisha A. McDermott, Dawn M. McDermott, Matthew R. Iacovone, Joanna L. Howard, and Matthew A. Howard. Gilda is also survived by her sister Eleanor Lupisella, and many loving nephews and nieces. Gilda was predeceased by her brothers Mario, Salvatore, and Anthony Mangiulli, and her sisters Marie Amato and Nancy Falco. Gilda was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Joseph and Victoria (Guido) Mangiulli and had lived here most of her life. She was a graduate of Commerce High School, and for several years Gilda was a sales clerk for the former R.H. White's and C.T. Sherer's Department Stores.   Married during World War II to her career officer husband, the years following the war afforded her the opportunity to travel and set up loving homes for her family near military bases in Pasadena Cailfornia, Ft. Polk, Louisiana, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, Ft. Benning, Georgia, and Fairbanks, Alaska. At the conclusion of active military services, she and her family resided in Worcester, then Long Island, NY and finally back to Worcester where "Jill" worked with her husband and son operating Hygienic Mattress Company. Her strong Catholic faith nurtured from childhood, her strong devotion to the Blessed Mother, and her daily recitation of the Rosary formed the basis for how she interacted with all whose lives she so beautifully touched. With her husband, she sponsored three siblings in an orphanage in Italy and had the opportunity to go there and visit them. Gilda was a former member of St Joan of Arc Church, and a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Golden Years Club. She was also a member of the Worcester Cristoforo Columbus Lodge # 168 Order of Son's of Italy in America. Gilda enjoyed miniature golf, bowling, and was an avid reader; however, her most treasured time was when she was with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.In her latter years, she made a special, positive, and powerful impact on those around her. Staff who performed home services were inspired by her attitude, friendly disposition, and warm heart. She also touched the lives of many at the Ballou Home in Woonsocket, RI, where she spent her last several months after having lived with her daughter and her husband in Bellingham the previous year. At Ballou, cooks, laundry staff, maintenance people, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, supervisors and managers all marveled at her kindly countenance, grace, and beauty. To no one's surprise, these were the qualities she possessed and shared throughout her long and beautiful life. Gilda's funeral will be held Tuesday April 17, 2018 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St, with a Mass of Christian Burial concelebrated by her nephew Fr. Ronald Falco and OLGC pastor Fr. Thirburse Millott at 11:00 AM in the Church of Our Lady of Good Counsel,111 Worcester St., West Boylston. Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday evening April 16th from 4PM to 7PM and Tuesday morning April 17th 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM in the Funeral Home. Interment will be with her husband in St Johns Cemetery. Flowers are welcome (Jill loved flowers), and/or donations in her name may be made to Visitation House, Inc., 119 Endicott St., Worcester, MA 01610. To leave a message of condolence for the family or share a special memory of Gilda please visit her memorial site at mercadantefuneral.com