Geraldine A. Fulena

It is with profound sadness and gentle remembrance that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Geraldine A. "Gerri" Fulena who left us peacefully on August 16th, 2025, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family. A cherished soul, Gerri touched the hearts of all who crossed her path and leaves behind a legacy woven from kindness, compassion, integrity, loyalty and a deep appreciation for life's precious moments.
Gerri was born on October 24, 1938, in Brent, PA, and was the daughter of the late Henry and Mary (Demefonte) Rico.
She married the late John A. "Jack" Fulena Jr. on May 14, 1960, and was married to him for 50 years.
She was a graduate of New Castle High School in 1956 and attended St. Francis School of Nursing (formerly New Castle School of Nursing) where she graduated in 1959. She became a dedicated nurse and held several positions at St. Francis Hospital in New Castle where she worked for over 40 years until she retired in 1999. Gerri's professional journey was marked not just by many achievements, but by the countless small gestures of support and compassion she offered to many others along her path. After retirement, she volunteered for many years at both local hospitals, St. Francis and Jameson Hospitals.
In addition to professional accomplishments Gerri was deeply involved in community organizations, charities and causes. Her commitment to service made a lasting difference-whether organizing fundraisers, mentoring others, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need. Those who worked alongside Gerri often speak of her boundless empathy and unfailing generosity toward others.
Gerri loved her family, friends, and church. She was a long-time member of St. Vitus Church, now Holy Spirit Parish, where she served as one of the original Eucharistic Ministers. She was also instrumental in helping start the Church Gift Shop and volunteered there for many years.
She was a member of numerous organizations including, Adorations Devotion Chapel, St. Francis Alumni Association, Phi Beta Kappa Sorority, The Lions Club, The Crisci Scholarship Committee, Christian Mothers of St. Vitus (President), Meals on Wheels
Gerri is survived by her two children, John A. Fulena III and wife, Janine of Stratford, Conn and Beth A. Fulena of Pittsburgh. She is also survived by her sister Lilian DeLoia of Pittsburgh, two granddaughters, one great grandson, two sisters-in-laws, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a brother, Nicolas Rico of Chagrin Falls, Ohio.
A special thanks to Shenango on the Green Care Facility and Three Rivers Hospice of Quality Life Services for providing such wonderful and compassionate care to Gerri.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ed & Don DeCarbo Funeral Home & Crematory, 941 S. Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, St. Vitus Church conducted by Rev Fr Nicholas Vaskov.
Entombment will be in Parkside Mausoleum.
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Shenango on the Green (3rd Floor), 238 S. Market Street, New Wilmington, PA 16142 or St. Francis Food Pantry, c/o Holy Spirit Parish, 910 S. Mercer Street, New Castle, PA 16101.