Ella Mary Gelini DiBartolomeo

Ella Mary Gelini DiBartolomeo, 99, died on Thursday April 19, 2012, at the Weirton Medical Center with her son at her side. Ella was born in Colliers, West Virginia, the first daughter of Angelo and Bianca Gelini. She lived her entire life in the Ohio Valley, and remained close to her siblings: Howard (Virginia), Floyd (Lucille), Elmo (Louise), Wilma (Carl DeSantis), Walter (Gene) and Dahlia. She was married to Anthony M. DiBartolomeo in 1939 until his death in 1998 at the age of 100, and together they were the proud parents of three sons, Anthony, David and Garen. Ella was an active and enthusiastic woman who never missed an opportunity to go places, try new things and to be involved. As a young woman, Ella attended the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy, taking the train each day, and became the proprietress of the Adoration Beauty Shop in Steubenville, Ohio. Ella's career led her to meet Tony DiBartolomeo, who owned the Paramount Barbershop in the same building. After they married, they moved to Weirton where they raised their family. While family came first, Ella also contributed to religious and civic causes, including being a charter member of the St. Paul's Catholic Daughters, representing West Virginia as the State Regent, singing in St. Paul's choir, serving for decades as a Democratic Committee member and as a poll judge for Hancock County. Many Weirton natives fondly remember her as their Cub Scout Den Mother, or as the playground superintendent at Marland Heights Elementary School. Being the oldest daughter, Ella was devoted to all things family. Her parents never lived more than a block away, and she enjoyed life-long relationships with her siblings, especially her sister Wilma, and her many nieces and nephews. She treasured the Italian traditions of handmade food and hosted the traditional Christmas Eve feast at her home every year. Her pizzele cookies are legendary and she taught many people how to make pasta, sauce and sticky chicken. She was always busy, whether with crocheting scarves, knitting sweaters, watching the Mountaineers or working on the Sunday crossword puzzle with her son Garen. Ella adored her sons, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking great pride in everything they did. She will be remembered and missed by many people, both near and far. She had a big heart, a kind manner and welcomed everyone into her home and life. Ella was is survived by her son Garen and his wife Janice of Weirton, her daughter-in-law Deanna DiBartolomeo, granddaughter Lisa DiBartolomeo, grandson David and wife Kristin DiBartolomeo, and two great-grandsons, all of Morgantown, WV. Her sisters-in-law Louise and Gene, and numerous loving nieces and nephews, their spouses and their children also survive her. Two of her sons predeceased her, David in 1959 and Anthony in 2004. Calling hours are from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street. Funeral Liturgy with Mass will be celebrated 1 p.m. Monday at St. Paul Roman Catholic Church. Interment will be in St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Weirton, West Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hancock County Animal Shelter, 715 Gas Valley Road, New Cumberland, WV 26047 or to St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Main Street, Weirton WV 26062.