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Marjorie Ann Disco

FUNERAL HOME

Dery-Foley Funeral Home

890 Main Street

Dalton, Massachusetts

Marjorie Disco Obituary

Marjorie Ann Disco 1921 - 2009 DALTON Marjorie Ann Disco, 87, completed her journey on earth on Monday, May 11, 2009, at Sun City Center Hospice House in Ruskin, Fla. Born in Pittsfield on Nov. 6, 1921, the daughter of Thomas and Annabelle O'Connor Griffin, she was a graduate of St. Joseph Central High School. She moved to Florida after residing at 68 Pease Avenue in Dalton for 53 years and, for the last two years, she made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Steve Gladu in Ruskin. Starting at the age of 6, Marjorie performed on stage with several members of her family. During World War II, she and her sister, Kathleen Smith, known as the Griffin Sisters, performed in USO shows for the troops. She and her late husband, Walter, were active members of the Dalton Follies. Mrs. Disco was a member of St. Agnes Church and St. Ann's Parish in Ruskin. She was a former member and past President of the Women's Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Dalton. Marjorie had a kind and generous soul, annually donating to many religious organizations and charities. Her husband, Walter T. Disco, died Dec. 1, 1993. Children and grandchildren were special in life, especially her two daughters, Donna and Nancy, along with her surviving six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a grandson, Michael J. Smart, who died Dec. 14, 1982. FUNERAL NOTICE: Services for Marjorie Ann Disco, who died Monday, May 11, will be Friday, May 15, at 9:15 a.m., from DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 at St. Agnes Church, celebrated by the Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta, pastor. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Disco may be made to the American Cancer Society or to HospiceCare in The Berkshires in care of the Funeral Home, 890 East Main Street. You may sign Marjorie's guest book at www.deryfuneralhome.com.

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Published by The Berkshire Eagle on May 13, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Marjorie Disco

15 Entries

Patricia Stevenson

June 11, 2009

In the two years we have known Marge we found her to be delightful. She would perform a piano concert at the drop of a hat.Spry as could be a great sense of humor and a constant smile on her face. We know she is making heaven a happier place. Love Pat and Jim. Marge I know you can see and and hear me so I'll say it loud and clear. My name is Jim not Pat but still we both send our love!

doing the bump and grind

Sherri Piper

June 8, 2009

My Nanny,
I have not been able to find the words I have needed to say until now. After I have returned home to my family I have not been able to stop and really let it all sink in, You have been in my life since day one, since I was brought home to that wonderfull yellow house that is no longer yours on Pease ave. we have been like one, the bond between us will always remain as it always has been, I still hear your voice in my head talking to me like you are still on the other end of the phone, I still smell you on your clothes and in your books that I took from my mother's home. I miss your laughter and the joy you always had when we would talk or be together. I have been blessed to have both my grandmother's so close to my heart for all my years, How many people can say that their grandmother's are their best friends? not many, but I can.
The summer's and a couple of the Christmas's that I flew up to be with you and Papa have been some of the best memories that I have, the walks on the golf course, berry picking and you making the pies from scratch, the Ramon noodles and macorroni and milk in front of the T.V. watching the Price is Right and your soaps is something that I will never forget.. the small things you did always meant the best to me.
You not only touched my life but you touched so many others as well, we couldn't go anywhere in Dalton without someone knowing you, you had such an amazing gift about yourself, I would notice after people would be done talking with you they would have a big smile on their face, you could brighten anyone's day Nanny. You could dance and sing and I thank you for installing that in me, dancing with you and doing the bump and grind as you would call it was so damn fun. You could shake it with the best of them.
I am sorry now you are gone from my life, I know how very much you wanted to see your family members again ecspecially your father, I know for sure you are with them all and your walking holding your father's hand again. The angels you have always loved throughout your life are with you now, I no longer have your hand to hold in person but I can feel your hands with me guiding me as the days go by and I look at your diamond and as you told me when you gave it to me Always think of me when you look at it. I DO and I know you are here.
I love you my darling Nanny,
Sherri (your Sher Pie always)

Denny Smith

May 27, 2009

Aunt Marge,

You have been part of my life longer than anyone my feeble memory can recall. Now that you’ve decided to travel another road, your earthly presence will leave us all without your special humor, wit and gentle caring. But, we wish you well in these travels, for they are the travels your soul was meant to journey.

Now that you have joined Uncle Walt, Mom (Kathy) & Dad (Fred), I’m sure God’s Kingdom has moved to a level that has never before been enjoyed before. I sure hope they have beer there (for the two Gents) and highballs (for Mom & You).

The day at Otis (noted by Linda) is as ever etched in my mind today as it was then. Danny and I collapsed on the dock (peeing our suits); Uncle Walt speechless, Linda, Karen and Mom equally fraught with bladder issues, Becky and Michael in shock, but most importantly YOU spitting, cussing, muttering and flailing to get to shallow water was priceless. Then you realized you had lost your teeth (but we found them – thank God the water was shallow). You looked at us all and the expletives were directly from the most seasoned Sailor I have ever known – called Uncle Walt an SOB.

I remember barbeques in Dalton, chicken laced with lighter fluid (Thanks Dad & Uncle Walt), bartending at Wahconah CC (Dad, Walt, Dan & Me), sunburned days and painful nights at the Sea & Sun in Virginia Beach, watching Red Sox games (can you believe Manny? Thanks for rubbing my head)) and countless other memories that only we share. Thank you for being there, but mostly thanks for being YOU!

Say hello to Gramp and Gram, Uncle Tommy (Aunt Emily) & Uncle Jack, give a special hug to Aunt Eileen, Mom, Dad & Uncle Walt get our special love and thoughts; Linda & I ask that you give a special hug to Beauty, Brandy and Cassie (Sassy as you called her). Linda and I will stop by the Griffin Family Plot now and then to say hello and whisper a special prayer. Look in on us now and then and nudge us if we are straying from our earthly journeys.

So, until we all meet again, be well – No more pain, No more sadness. Dance like no one is watching – sing until your voice has no more notes.

Denny

May 27, 2009

Aunt Marge was one in a million, Linda hit the nail on the head expressing her. Endless energy, full of life and laughter. So very many memories that we'll hold in our hearts and share for years to come.
Never missing her Red Sox games, always calling Danny, "did you see that play". She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

All Our Love,
Dan & Karen Smith

Linda Smith

May 26, 2009

Aunt Marge – she entered my universe when Denny (her nephew) walked into my life.

My memories of her were endless energy, constant motion, and constant chatter. She entertained! She made you laugh . . . and she always loved people. She could never just enter a room quietly – the room was always swallowed up by her presence and her antics. Laughter always followed!

You felt good when you were with her because she made you feel good. Aunt Marge was always interested in “you” - yet to this day I don’t know how she ever did it. Somehow between her constant chatter and interruptions she kept herself updated about “you!”

Marge chose to live large. She chose to stay connected with people in her life: family, friends and strangers. I swear there never were strangers when Marge was around.

To this day two memories stand out clearly:

1) Otis Reservoir, a warm summer afternoon, a long dock that stretched out over the water, an inner tube (a large, black inner tube), family everywhere (Walt, Denny, Danny, grandson Michael, and all the others). Walt, Denny, and Danny goading Marge on: “You can do it! Just stand backwards at the edge of the dock and fall into the tube!”

Marge standing near the edge of the dock, in her bathing suit with her endless long legs, contemplating -wanting to take the dare, but scared to death of the water. Then she did it! She fell backwards into the tube, but her short frame was much too small for the large hole in the inner tube to hold her on top of and above the water. Her body folded and the next thing we all saw was arms and legs, but no “Marge.” Then Marge’s head came bouncing up gasping for air, only to go back under again!

The sight was priceless! We all watched in slow motion, frozen to react because we were all bent over in complete hysteria and laughter. To this day, God was with us and Marge, because no one was capable of saving her - the sight was too funny!

Marge’s body finally slid through the opening and Marge started to swim (flailing was more like it) to shore (less than 12 feet away). Marge was in less than 3 feet of water, but she did not know that. Expletives – some I never heard before – from Marge filled the afternoon air. Marge was so scared, so angry – and we were so helpless to respond - that sight that day is one of the funniest things I’ve ever witnessed.

2) Warm summer afternoon, on our backyard deck in Dalton playing with our young granddaughter. Marge was also there visiting. Our granddaughter was playing on a “spinner” (a small circular toy that you sit on, wrap your legs around the center, and then use your hands to spin yourself around and around. Yes, you guessed it! Next thing we knew, Marge sat on the spinner, wrapped her long legs around the center and started spinning herself like crazy. Marge, in her late seventies, laughing out loud just enjoying life and entertaining us! I shall never forget that afternoon and the sheer joy Marge brought to my life.

Here’s to you Marge and your extraordinary life. You lived life to the fullest. You shared humor, laughter, song, endless ditties, piano sonatas, and most importantly: yourself! You will be sorely missed.

Fondly,
Linda

Sonia and Dick Paulhus

May 19, 2009

Dear Donna and family,
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Sonia and Dick

Marni Gladu

May 18, 2009

To my dear Nanny,
My first memories of her were of music when I was very young.I can remember her and my Papa singing all the old songs they used to sing together when they performed on stage.That's what got me interested in music and I can still remember calling them and singing "Someday My Prince Will Come"from Snow White,I was probably 5-6 years old.I'll always have the fond memories of our summers together in Florida when they would come visit,and I always loved to go to her home in Mass.,it was always so beautiful to me.But the one thing I will miss most is her playing the piano.She composed a song on the piano once and I wrote the words to it for her and she was so happy!I always loved to just sit there and watch her play for hours,because she always played so beautiful.We have had some good and bad times but through it all we've had a lot of laughs.I'm just sad that my little girl will never get to know how wonderful she was.So I say farewell to you Nanny-thank you so much for all your love and especially for bringing the wonderful gift of music into my life.I love you always.

Martha and Vinny Bosco

May 17, 2009

Marge,
We did not have the opportunity to know you for a long time but we are so blessed that we had the chance to get to know you as we did. You always greeted us with a smile and a twinkle in your eye. You made watching the shows at the Landings so much more enjoyable because you were having such a good time while you "flirted" with the entertainers. You knew what it takes to put on a great show! We will miss your smiles at future shows but you will always be in our hearts. It was a joy to have known you. May God keep you safe and keep the twinkle in your eye.
Love,
Martha and Vinny

Donna Gladu

May 17, 2009

To my dear mother Mom, through all of the years that you've been there for me...when I was scared, stubborn, bewildered, and lost...I wonder whether I ever really told you just how much I love you! You've always been the one that I could turn to...the one I whispered my secrets to, who held me close when I got hurt. The one who cheered me up and taught me all of those funny songs. You were my first friend, and you'll always be my dearest. There's no one like you! I'll love you always.

much love Mom & GRAM

May 17, 2009

Hello family,
I made a bloop and I can hear Marjorie from above laughing..Barb what were u thinking of ??!!
Was the winter of 1955..not summer as she would have melted in that heavy coat..

with my love Beejay Gladu-Mayle

May 16, 2009

May 15,2009
I will miss my friend Marjorie and my son Steve's mother in-law , I can see her on Pease Avenue on a sunny morning back in the summer of 1955....." I heard a women screaming.. get away from me" it was Marjorie running for her life..as Barkco O Connels dog was fast on her heels he must of thought she was another dog as she was i in her fur coat.. I had not met my new neighbor before as her Walt ,Nancy , Donna had recently moved into 68 we were at 48 Pease Avenue..
I imediatley shut off my iron headed up the street.. now remember Pease avenue was a new development.and all driveways were nothing more than clay with some stones
thrown over it..
I rapped on her door and said" Are you ok.. I am bee jay from down the street.. she was so very happy to see me.... she imediately invited me
in for a cup of tea , she also played a few tunes on her piano..
to know Marge was to know a fun, joke cracking lady... a gal with a beautiful voice.. she and Walt did many great shows ..
as our years fleeted along our children all went to the same schools along with that great Wachonah High..
When Steve asked Donna to be come his wife.. her parents were so very happy.. needles to say we all were one big family back then.and to this day..
I do miss my friend.. she came to visit me here once she moved in with her Donna & Steve..they were the most careing care givers..alwasy takeing her with them where ever they went..she was not on Hospice care for very ,She left to go there on APRIL 29..
I visited them in early april as theeir daughter SSgt. Amylynn gladu USAMC along with SHerri ( piper) frm Fort RIchardson ALaska were home for a get together., their sister Marni from Melbourne also visited often..along with Marges; recent great great grandaughter Serena.. .. Stephen W. Lives in Ruskin close by to his parents ..he could visit Nanny often...
.. I visited in early ,I asked her to play her new piano.. she played a song she had composed..and then those ivory keys played " when you hair has turned to silver I will love you just the same" we harmonized..at that time I Knew this is the last song we will sing to- gether..and so be it..but she is the lady with silver hair that is up on those golden streets.. dancing .. you can bet she is rooting for the Red SOx's along with her rosary beads and all of her r novena's in her hand..that is how she watched a ball game..she would sit on the edge of her couch yelling and praying for them to win..
yes she so loved her daughters along with Steve whom she would called her saint.. but her grand's and her greats were her treasures..
so carry on in her place like she would want you aLL TO as her shoes will be very hard to fill.. !!!!

Amy Mack

May 15, 2009

I hear her voice everyday telling me she loves me and wishing me a Happy New Year because she is still on my answering machine. I missed my neighbor that much when she moved to Florida, I can't imagine how much I will miss her now. I often try on the hats she gave me. The ones in the old England Brothers hat boxes. She would tell me stories of getting all "dolled up" and walking down North Street. I can see her now. I am so glad she is at peace now and she is able to be with Walt again. She loved her family and talked about them all the time, she was so proud of them all. I think what is helping me through is seeing her as a sweet angel. That way I still get to be with her and talk to her. I will miss my dear friend and our time we had together.

Saundra Marcella

May 15, 2009

Tony and I enjoyed many great times with Walt and Marg. We will always remember them fondly and miss them both! Great Dalton people!
Our deepest sympathies to the Disco Family.
Saundra & Tony Marcella

Judi Robinson

May 13, 2009

To the Disco Family,

I can remember your mother dancing at the Stanley Club to my fathers music (Red Robinson). She was full of life and always had a smile. Surely, she will be missed by all.

Bob Bunt Burke

May 13, 2009

The Final Curtain for Marjorie.
My brother Tom and I shared the stage with this lovely lady, her sister, Tom Griffin, and of course Walt Disco who hosted radio and Tv shows with me for many organization. Always a laugh, always a smile and songs in their hearts.
Dalton has lost another Icon. but Heaven has brought another star home.
www.bobbuntburke.com

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