ESTELLE RITA SACKELOS

Estelle Rita Sackelos passed away peacefully on Friday, February 16, 2007. She died in the Schaeffer Extended Care Center of the Sound Shore Medical Center, following a fall from her bed two weeks earlier. She was 89, and until the past year had been in very good health, living independently in her own apartment on Cooper Drive in New Rochelle and driving her own car nearly every day for shopping, errands, social gatherings and to visit relatives and friends. Estelle was born on April 14, 1917 in New Rochelle, daughter of Fortunato and Sophie Felice, and the oldest of six children. Her siblings Salvatore Felice and Dominick Felice have passed away, but are survived by their spouses Virginia and Cecile and children and grandchildren. Surviving Estelle are her siblings Louis Felice, John Felice and Eleanor Sisco, and their spouses, and children and grandchildren. At age 29, on June 14, 1946, she married George Sackelos (November 18, 2003 to October 21, 1972 ) in Philadelphia and they worked together in his restaurants. Estelle had significant relationships, following George's death, first with Alexander (Al) M. Grieco (September 9, 1902 to September 19, 1987), and then with James (Jim) V. Staropoli (died on March 8, 2005), both whom energized her life. Although Estelle did not have children, she did find closeness in the several families in which she was involved and whom loved her deeply. Estelle was an independent-minded woman, often trying new things throughout her life. Her jobs were varied and showed a can-do attitude. She was a waitress and cook in restaurants, an assistant in dentist offices and in nursing homes, and a salesperson and a marketing assistant in grocery stores. As a young woman she played golf often. Later she took classes, including bible studies. After she retired at age 65, Estelle participated in several community organizations, including the Mamaroneck Seniors Center at Harbor Island, where she played cards, exchanged stories and attended events. Estelle had a wide circle of friends and most people knew her to be friendly, considerate and caring, with a smile on her face. Estelle is survived by her siblings Louis, John and Eleanor, and their families and she is survived by the families of her husband, George, and partners, Al and Jim. She wished to be cremated. Family members are currently planning a memorial service to be held in April in Westchester County, to be attended by relatives and friends. All are invited. Those wishing to attend should contact Frank Sisco, nephew, who is coordinating the event, by email at ideasmoney@aol.com, or by phone at 914-576-1483, or by mail at 30 Mill Road, New Rochelle, NY 10804, or contact Eleanor Sisco, sister, at 914-235-5897.