Theresa Gelso formerly of Pittston and Clarks Summit passed away peacefully Friday morning June 11, 2021 at Geisinger South, at the age of 90. Born on November 13, 1930 in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late George and Helen (Stefanowski) Brunn.
Theresa grew up in Korn Krest, Hanover Township, Pennsylvania. As an adolescent she performed as a tap dancer along with her older sister, Florence, at the Tony Grant Dance Studio, the Granada, and the Sans Souci Amusement Park. When the girls entered their teenage years they worked in the San Souci Dance Hall and Theresa was a lifeguard at the San Souci pool. Theresa graduated from Hanover High School in 1948. As a young woman she excelled in secretarial school, and spent the majority of her career as the Secretary to the Vice President of Eberhard Faber.
Along with her late husband Samuel J. Gelso, Theresa was an active member of Fox Hill Country Club, in Exeter. Theresa and her husband were also long-time winter residents of Weston and Naples, Florida.
Theresa was a natural athlete and greatly enjoyed swimming, dancing and golf. She was very social and outgoing and was a very enthusiastic and avid traveler. Theresa had a wonderful love and affinity for dogs, and in later life took pleasure in going to the casino with friends.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband Samuel J. Gelso, Sr. and her dear and devoted sister Florence (Brunn) Sheakoski. Theresa is survived by her son Dr. Samuel J. Gelso, Jr. and his wife Marissa and grandsons Samuel and Philip of Westwood, Massachusetts. She is also survived by her niece Helen and nephew George, with whom she shared a very close and caring relationship. In addition, Theresa leaves her two dear sisters-in-law, Gertrude Latona and Josephine Giacometti, and many nieces and nephews.
A blessing service will be held on Monday, June 28, 2021 at 10:30am at the Adonizio Funeral Home, 251 William Street, Pittston. Family and friends may call between 9:00 and 10:30am at the funeral home. Internment will immediately follow at Denison Cemetery in Swoyersville.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Theresa’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org.
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