Anita Gentile

Anita Gentile, the beloved daughter of Cesare and Matilda, and devoted sister of Cesare Jr. and sister-in-law Janice, met her creator on Saturday, April 9th at 9:15pm. Anita grew up in Brooklyn, NY and spent her life in the warmer breezes of Florida. Anita, upon graduating from Brooklyn College in 1964, proudly began her teaching career at P.S. 131. She then taught at the Visitation School in Miami and St. Bernadette's in Hollywood. She loved teaching and interacting with her students, particularly those of elementary school age. Anita achieved the pinnacle of her teaching career by becoming principal at St. Ambrose School in 1993. As principal she made it a point to greet each student as they arrived every morning, and poured her heart into making her school as warm and supportive as possible. She was very much loved by her students and her fellow teachers. Anita loved to travel, making extensive trips to Italy and Ireland. Perhaps her most memorable adventure was with her brother Cesare to visit their father's hometown of Bisignano in Calabria. It was a beautiful journey with Anita serving as translator for her native Italian relatives to her brother. There she met her cousin Gaetano Gentile, a fellow esteemed schoolteacher. That trip included stops in Rome, Amalfi and Sicily. In addition, Anita was a great fan of Perry Como, Mickey Mantle and the New York Yankees. Anita had an extensive family on Long Island who loved her and will miss her dearly. She will be remembered for her dear heart, devotion to her family and commitment to her faith. Anita's burial will be at Hollywood Memorial Gardens by Babione-Kraeer Funeral Home.