Gerarda "Dina Marotta" Luongo

Gerarda "Dina" (Marotta) Luongo

April 4, 1937 – September 8, 2025

88 Years Old

Gerarda "Dina" (Marotta) Luongo, age 88, of Boynton Beach, Florida, formally from Bronx, New York, New Rochelle, New York (Westchester County) and Woodbourne, New York (Catskill Mountains) peacefully passed away to eternal life on September 8, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving children at her bedside, after fighting a lengthy and courageous battle.

She was born on April 4, 1937, in Chiusano San Domenico, Italy, to Emilio Marotta and Giuseppina Aversa. She was the youngest of three children.

Gerarda (Dina) was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. She is survived by her devoted children, Sabino (Sam) from Bronx, New York and her daughter, Stella, from Jupiter, and her life partner, Ronald Magnetti; grandchildren Angela and Michael from New York and Anthony from Florida; brother-in-law Ettore Luongo (spouse Rosaria) from Naples, Italy; sister-in-law, Henrietta Marotta from Reading, Massachusetts; cousin Teresa Aversa and her children Giuseppina and Raffaele Aversa from Chiusano San Domenico, Italy; cousin Giuseppe Corrado from Montreal, Canada. She is also survived by her loving nieces and nephews, Stella and Giuseppe Luongo from Naples, Italy; Emilio and Domenick Marotta, Josephine Santomauro (Marotta), and Emilio and Rina Marotta (U.S); many great nieces and nephews and lifelong friends throughout the U.S, Italy and Canada.

As a young girl growing up in Italy, she experiences firsthand the horrific events of WWII. During those formative years, she learned how to sew and became a seamstress and dressmaker. In 1957, she married the love of her life, Angelo Luongo (who passed away to eternal life in 2015) and they resided in Rome, Italy prior to migrating to the United States. The young couple had a beautiful life in Rome, Italy and were reluctant to leave their homeland for what they believed to be the land of opportunity. But, in 1961, they pursed the American dream and came to the United States. Although difficult, she embraced her new homeland with enthusiasm, pride, and loyalty. She was proud to be a US citizen like her father who was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She and the love of her life were snowbirds for many years until 2009, sharing their time between their homes in Florida (Boynton Beach) in the winter and New York (Catskills) in the summer.

She was a devout Catholic and a long-time parishioner at St Thomas More Catholic Church in Boynton Beach. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone. She believed and often said "If you have nothing good to say then say nothing at all."

Gerarda (Dina) loved her children dearly and was very happy when around them. She was a loving mother and would do anything for them. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, and being a seamstress. Many people were drawn to her to "work her magic" with alterations and new creations. Often, alterations were not possible. She never wanted to disappoint anyone, so she would re-make the entire garment for them. When newborns arrived, friends and family would reach out to her, and she eagerly knitted sweaters, mittens, scarves, and hats. She was so happy to share these "unique" creations with loved ones.

Gerarda (Dina) loved to create abundant meals to enjoy with her family and friends. She always made "extra" so there was enough to share with others. Although she enjoyed her quiet and alone time, she was a social butterfly. She loved socializing and enjoyed being surrounded by friends. She would often be seen with her address book and phone in hand making calls to send her good wishes or just to say hello. She loved talking on the phone with family and friends and in fact, her phones never stopped ringing.

Although she was small in stature, she was strong-willed and always hopeful. She was a fighter throughout her life and until the very end. She was a lioness!

Gerarda (Dina) loved life and people. She always had a smile on her face. She was kind and loving and touched the lives of many people. She will be missed dearly.

In lieu flowers, memorial donations can be made in Gerarda Luongo's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Visitation (Wake) will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025, from 2-8PM at Gary Panoch Funeral Home. 6140 North Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, Florida. 561- 997-8580.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 10AM at St Thomas More Catholic Church. 10935 South Military Trail, Boynton Beach, Florida. 561-737-3095.

Immediately following Mass, family and close friends are invited to attend Gerarda (Dina's) Celebration of Life Luncheon at Domenic's Restaurant. Renaissance Commons. 1790 North Congress Avenue, Boynton Beach, Florida. 561-734-3033.

Rite of Committal - Blessing of Ashes (for family and close friends) will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 1030AM at Boca Mausoleum. 451 SW 4th Avenue. Boca Raton, Florida.

Please share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.

Professional arrangements are entrusted to:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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