Lella Santilli

1940 - 2025

OBITUARY

A women who has lived life to the fullest with family, friends, and food at the center of her world. Lella Santilli, 85, of Wappingers Falls, NY passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2025.

Lella was born in Cagnano Varano, Puglia, Italy on February 5, 1940. She was the oldest of six siblings; Concetta, Mario, Sarah, Rosaria, and Pierre Paolo. This was the start of her love for family and friends. Her world revolved around them and she always was concerned about everyone, especially if they ate enough. Which was a good thing, because she was the best cook! She made everything homemade. Her families favorites included pizza, pasta, meatballs, and lasagna. Lella was the happiest cooking in her kitchen surrounded by family. She used fresh ingredients that she would gather from her garden. Gardening was something Lella really enjoyed. She spent much of her time relaxing in her garden surrounded by zucchini, grapes, and tomatoes just to name a few. She was lucky enough to share love of growing with her husband Gabriel.

Lella met the love of her life Gabriel (Gabe) Santilli in 1958 while he was on a vacation in Italy. Her deep love for him led them to start their life together in Bronx, NY. In 1960, they built their forever home in Wappingers Falls, NY. It was in this house Gabe and Lella started their own beautiful family and welcomed three amazing children, Peter, Gina, and Victor. She also had a loving son in law, Christopher Diamond, who she considered her own child and welcomed to the family in 1990. Lella taught her children Italian, which was useful for their vacations spent in Italy to visit her relatives. In addition to vacations, as a family they enjoyed watching movies, playing cards, and just enjoying each others company. The only thing that brought her more joy than her own children were grandchildren Mark and Marissa, who always referred to her as, "Nama".

One of her most cherished role in life was being a grandmother. They treasured their time together, which was very frequent considering they were lucky enough to be neighbors. Mark and Marissa loved their Nama with all their hearts. They especially loved having sleepovers, eating her amazing cooking, and watching TV together. Her grandchildren's favorite memory is her always saying, "Nama loves you more than life itself," everytime they had to leave. These two grandchildren then turned into six great-grandchildren! Mark and his wife Amanda have two boys Noah and Miles. Marissa and her husband Tyler have four children Giovanni, Marcella, Lorenzo, and Francesca. Lella was able to make a trip to South Carolina, in March, to meet her two newest great grandchildren, which she was very eager to meet. They spent a long weekend in a beautiful lake house with both grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Lella had such an amazing time and everyone was so grateful for their time together.

After the passing of her love Gabe, Lella found a second love and partner Rosario Musumeci. Rosario was a huge part of her life and the whole families' life. They enjoyed shopping, cooking and going to Atlantic City to gamble. He brought a sense of peace and calmness to Lella's life that she appreciated and was thankful for.

We also cannot forget her cat Rosie, who was a great companion for Lella, especially while she spent more time at home in her later years. Lella loved her furry friends and had many pets in her lifetime, who she treated like family.

Lella will always be remembered for her heart of gold, love for family, humor and the amazing food she would cook. Everyone who has had the privilege of meeting Lella could feel the love that radiated from her. The way she would look at her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, anyone could see the pure joy and happiness they brought her. We could not have asked for a better women to be the center of the family and words cannot describe how much we will miss her everyday. The cherished memories of Lella will live in all of our hearts forever. While it is an incredible loss for our family, we are thankful for the beautiful 85 years of love and laughs we shared.

Lella is predeceased by husband Gabe, son Victor, partner Rosario, and her brother Mario. She is survived by her son Peter, daughter Gina and her husband Christopher. Her grandson Mark, his wife, Amanda and their children Noah and Miles. Her granddaughter Marissa, her husband Tyler and their children Giovanni, Marcella, Lorenzo, and Francesca. As well as many nieces and nephews.

VISITATION

Wednesday, April 30 4:00 - 8:00 PM

Delehanty Funeral Home 64 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY

GRAVESIDE SERVICE

Thursday, May 1

10:00 AM

St. Mary's Cemetery

19 Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls, NY

INTERMENT

St. Mary's Cemetery 19 Clinton Street, Wappingers Falls, NY