Gaetana Melchionna

Gaetana "Tanina" Melchionna beloved wife, mother, and grandmother entered the arms of the Lord on Friday evening at home surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Bartolomeo and Vitantonia Palmisano, Tanina was born in Vallata, Italy.  Moving to America in 1966 she settled in Elizabeth, New Jersey where she met and married her loving husband Pasquale in 1967. They moved to Roselle Park in 1976 where together they raised their two children and continued to live for the past 46 years.
 

In Italy Tanina was the first woman in her town to become a beautician working alongside her father in his barbershop.  In the U.S. she continued to enjoy styling hair for many years. Not only was she passionate, but truly talented at cooking and baking.  She enjoyed to knit and crochet especially for her grandchildren.  Her life revolved around her family which she enjoyed passing on Italian traditions and practicing her strong catholic faith.  Tanina was such an incredible role model and loved unconditionally.
 

Tanina was predeceased by her parents, Vitantonia (Piscopo) and Bartolomeo, her sisters Assunta Bova, Maria Rosa, and her brother, Rocco.  She is survived by her beloved husband, Pasquale, daughter Antonella, son, Joseph, daughter-in-law, Pamela (Helbling), and her precious grandchildren, Joseph and Marco, and her brother, Erminio.  Also, Tanina is survived by many cherished brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, and neices. 

Tanina will be missed greatly.  We invite each of you to keep her alive in your hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please offer contributions in Gaetana's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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