Gloria (Amaral) Valentino

Gloria R. (Amaral) Valentino, 89, a lifelong Shrewsbury resident passed away peacefully, Friday, July 22, 2022, with her children and grandchildren gathered at her bedside. She arrives in heaven into the loving arms of her husband George “Al” and daughter Deborah Valentino.

A devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Gloria was the matriarch of her family, focused on caring for her husband, children, grandchildren, and home. She made sure her family was well cared for and had all the opportunities in life. She loved to cook, bake, play bingo, trips to Atlantic city with Al and friends, and along with Al, enjoyed volunteering her time assisting in the running of weekly bingo games for the Knights of Columbus in Shrewsbury. Gloria was one of six children of Albert and Ruth M. (Wackell) Amaral. She was born in Worcester and spent her early childhood years in the city. The family then purchased a home in Shrewsbury where she was educated and graduated from Major Beal High School in Shrewsbury. 

As with her husband Al, Gloria loved her country. She served proudly during the Korean War, as a U.S. Marine. As with her husband, they seldom spoke of their service but were enormously proud of their service.

George, left Gloria’s side on December 22, 2019, after 49 years devoted to each other and their family. She leaves her children, Sandra M. Silva and her husband Steven of Portsmouth, RI, Mark G. Valentino of Webster, and Scott G. Valentino and his wife Noreen of Oxford; her grandchildren, Scott Handren and his wife Tina, Jeffrey Handren and his partner Iris Bohensky, Sarah Plants and her husband Josh, Chelsea Valentino, Michael Valentino and his fiancée Christina Cruz; five great grandchildren, Molly, Lucy, Arthur, Wesley, and Shelby; a brother, Albert Amaral; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her husband and daughter, she was predeceased by three brothers, Richard “Dick”, Robert “Bob”, and Ronald Amaral and a sister, Shirley Viscosi.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend calling hours Sunday, July 31st from 4 pm to 7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Her funeral will be held Monday, August 1st from the funeral home with a procession to St John’s Church, 40 Temple St where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am. Burial will follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St. John’s food for the poor, 44, Temple Street 01604

“ We will always remember you when telling one of your jokes or stories.”