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Gilda Cioffi Obituary
Gilda Cioffi perfected the art of cooking good food and serving it well.
Although she shuttered her Italian restaurant - Mama Gilda's, a North Dixie Highway institution for 31 years - in 1981, former customers still talk lovingly, and a little longingly, about the delicacies she was renowned for preparing.
"We just adored Mama," said Nancie Clark, whose late husband, Harper, couldn't get enough of Mrs. Cioffi's veal pizzaiolo. "She was so kind, soft-spoken and, of course, a marvelous cook."
Mrs. Cioffi, 102, died Saturday of the infirmities of old age, having passed along her recipes and her spirit of tough-mindedness to three generations of family and friends.
Born on the Isle of Capri in Italy, Mrs. Cioffi first worked with food in her father's delicatessen . When her brothers, Nino and Costanzo Pucillo, set out on their own, they traveled across Europe, working in some of the finest and most glamorous hotels on the continent before moving to America. Mrs. Cioffi followed in 1929 and met her husband, Frank Cioffi, in 1940.
Soon after, the couple followed the Pucillo brothers to Palm Beach County, where they poured all they had learned in Europe into their restaurants - Nino's Continental on Olive and Costanzo's Petite Marmite on Worth Avenue.
When, in 1949, Mrs. Cioffi decided to open her own restaurant, Mama Gilda's at 1600 N. Dixie Highway, her brothers "probably influenced her a little bit," said her son, Nick Cioffi of North Palm Beach.
Yet Mrs. Cioffi conducted things with a mastery all her own, cranking her pasta by hand and carefully shucking each clam for her famous sauces. She built a devoted following. Mrs. Cioffi's kitchen, visible to customers walking in, simply churned out the most authentic Italian food the city had ever seen, said Joel Daves, who was mayor between 1999 and 2003, and who used to meet his friends at Mama's for lunch and dinner.
Mrs. Cioffi's restaurant expanded over the years into a 235-seat eatery that served everyone from local Realtors and insurance men to Perry Como and the Kennedys.
When the Cioffis decided to close their doors, their faithful patrons were crushed, Daves said. "We all cried when she closed the restaurant," he said.
A devout Catholic, Mrs. Cioffi spent her last days in the company of family and friends at Prosperity Oaks assisted-living home in North Palm Beach.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gilda Cioffi
steven clark
September 1, 2009
mama we never forget you and your family..and the wonderful place.my name is steve clark and gus,randy and myself worked there(waiters) in the 70s..used to bring my daughter and wife in to eat and cannot forget the silver cat w cage you gave me for her..we still call the spagetti mama gildas to grandkids and talk about you and the nicest place i ever worked and so many people i met but you and yours the best..we say a prayer to god and he knows gilda well..god bless..steve and pat and family...north palm.. we moved to tampa but still have pics of the place bye.and our sincerest condonences..
Ted CIOFFI
February 12, 2009
I Love NY Pizza of Knoxville TN.
Sends thier best wishes for the family and friends.
Kathy Fanshawe Carroll
January 9, 2009
I was very sad to read that Mama Gilda passed away - what a long and wonderful life she enjoyed. Our mother, Kay Fanshawe, worked for the Cioffi family for many years at that wonderful (delicious) restaurant and we have many fond memories of Mama, Frank and the family, and, of course, the best Italian food ever! God bless Mama Gilda and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Fondly, The Fanshawe Family (Doug, Kathy, Sue)
Carla McMahon
January 7, 2009
So many wonderful memories for me and for my children, spending time with Mama over the years. A Great life for a Great woman! Our thoughts are with you as you store your memories of her, in a safe and wonderful place to remember always!
Jeff Tunberg
January 6, 2009
Our Florida relatives think we came to visit them, but really it was for Mamma Gilda's, Proctor's and Russo's!
jack tunberg
January 6, 2009
many happy memories of having lunch with my brother and sister in law, before they boarded the "city of Miami" train to Chicago, after visiting us in west palm beach.
sadly there are now just a few establishments left, that made our city one was proud to live in.
I also remember Petite Marmite in Palm Beach, and their "Back door" where employees who worked on the ave. could take out an affordable lunch.
jack tunberg
west palm beach
Anne Knam Tippett
January 6, 2009
My husband, Charlie Knam, and I frequented Mama Gilda's and were treated to her "shoulder rub" and her wonderful food and welcoming atmosphere. That was a very special time in our lives.
AURELIA DE ANGELIS
January 5, 2009
DEAREST NINO, MARSHA, SUZANNE AND CARINA,
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR YOU ALL - AND ABOVE ALL, FOR DEAR AND UNFORGETTABLE MAMA. SO MANY MEMORIES.
AURELIA, ANTONIO, FRANCESCO AND RENATA
Maria and Phil Kampe
January 5, 2009
Dear Nino, Marsha, Suzanne and Carina and families,
Phil and I are so sorry to hear of your loss of Mama Gilda. She had a long, wonderful life and was always surrounded by love and family. We both know what it is to lose a parent. And, how lucky you all are to have had her!
With love,
Maria and Phil
Steve and Joanna Reno
January 5, 2009
Marsha, Nick, Suzanne, Todd, Carina, Todd-
Please know that your "Iowa connection" is thinking about you all. How many memories we have of us altogether! The Iowa cousins always looked forward to Mama's cooking. And of course, we will always attribute our love of cheesecake to the fact we had our first piece at Mama Gilda's restaurant! Mama had a wonderful and full life with a dedicated family on which to lean. Our love and prayers to all!!
Marilee Henneberger
January 5, 2009
Back in the 1960's, we discovered Mama Gilda's delicious food. Newlyweds, without much money, we would save up for a dinner at Mama's, always knowing we'd have a fine meal with plenty of hospitality to warm our hearts. We moved away for years, but on our return, discovered our favorite eatery had closed a couple of years before. We were crushed.
Mama has passed away, but I hope her family realizes that memories of their matriarch live on in Palm Beach County.
Rest in Peace, Mama Gilda.
Patrick Maraist
January 5, 2009
Some of my earliest memories of "eating out" with my parents and brothers and sisters include going to Mama Gilda's. Thank you for the great food, hospitality and dear memories. God Bless you and your family.
Tom and Margie Miller
January 5, 2009
Nick, We are praying for you and your family as you grieve the loss and celebrate the life of your mother. We are here for you if there is anything we can do. We understand the loss of a parent. We love you. Tom and Margie Miller
Carol and Parks Hill
January 5, 2009
What an amazing life Nana lived! We enjoyed meeting her and we celebrate her life with you. We know that heaven is thrilled to welcome her and she's probably busy putting her kitchen together to prepare her delicious heavenly feasts! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.
Tony Reich
January 5, 2009
I am saddended by the announcement of Mrs Gilda Cioffi's passing, although 102 years of living is quite an accomplishment. I enjoyed working as a busboy for a short time at Mama Gilda's in the 60's. After all guests left, the family and restaurant staff had dinner. My condolences to Nick & Marsha.
Suzannne Clousing
January 5, 2009
Suzanne,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Suzanne
Fred Hartman
January 4, 2009
What at wonderful person. I remember her watching me eat plate after plate of her gnocchi and veal parm over at her grand-daughter's house. It seemed to thrill her watching someone enjoy her cooking and her company so much. She will be dearly missed.
wanda and al finke
January 4, 2009
I miss her already and am so glad I sat next to her at Mass so many many Sundays..and we ended Mass with "What's for dinner?" I will be in Fl 1/13...a few days too late so will go to Mass here on her funeral day, one of real celebration for a long well lived life. Our love and prayers!
Jane Ko
January 4, 2009
I feel honored to have had the privilege of meeting Nana. What a strong lady she was! God bless your family with his peace.
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