Eleanor Mary Gagliano died peacefully at home under the care of Season’s Hospice in Bear, Delaware on November 26, 2021.
Eleanor was born in Jersey City, New Jersey on August 13, 1921. Both of her parents had emigrated from Ireland and resided in New Jersey after coming through Ellis Island in the early 1900s. Eleanor grew up surrounded by the warmth of her wonderful large Irish family. After graduating from high school, Eleanor joined the Women’s Army Corps during WWII, and she was tasked with registering WWII soldiers returning from the front lines in Germany. During that time, she met her first husband Harry Larsen who passed away when their children Patricia and Mark were very young. Eleanor moved back to live with her family in New Jersey where she met and married Michael Gagliano. Eleanor and Michael raised Pat and Mark together, building many memories and hosting many lively multi-generational Italian and Irish family gatherings. During this time, Eleanor also moved her mother Nora in with her, and became her primary caregiver for over 23 years.
Eleanor worked in a variety of positions, including food services at Monmouth University where she was much loved by students and faculty. She later took a role in vendor management. She particularly enjoyed taking care of her family and cooking large Italian meals. She was gifted with a clear, natural soprano voice and she often sang lilting Irish melodies around the house. In 1997, Eleanor relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada with her husband and children. She enjoyed the desert climate, and took the opportunity to travel throughout Nevada and California. In 2019, Eleanor moved back to the East Coast with her children.
Eleanor was a remarkable person with a deep and abiding faith, who simply loved to be around people. She was known from an early age for her infectious personality which continued to inspire joy in those around her into her 100th year. She was much adored for her humor and wit, along with a fine mind and a sharp memory, even in her latest years. Friends and family would call and visit as often as possible, enjoying her many detailed stories of the past. She consistently remained social and closely connected with family far and wide.
Eleanor was preceded in death by Kieran and Nora Glynn, Michael Gagliano, Pat Murphy, Mark Larsen, and her brothers Larry, Jackie and Kieran, and sisters Claire and Lillian. She is survived by her grandson Bill Murphy and granddaughter Dawn Murphy Proctor (Gary). She is missed by her son-in-law William Murphy (Barbara), her great-grandchildren Ariana and Colin Murphy and their mother Anona. She is also missed by the many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that she kept close to her heart.
All are invited to celebrate Eleanor’s life and attend a Funeral Mass to be held on Saturday December 11th, at 11:00a.m. at Immanuel on the Green Episcopal Church, 50 Market Street, New Castle, Delaware 19720. Reception to follow. Eleanor’s family will also plan a service in coming months to realize her plans to be buried with her beloved husband Michael at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.