Gilda Casucci Billesimo

July 19, 1931 ~ November 14, 2024

Gilda was born on July 19, 1931, in Newburgh, NY, to Adelina Gozza Casucci and Antonio Peter Casucci. She was raised on Washington Street in Newburgh, NY surrounded by her large, loving Italian family and the close-knit community of Sacred Heart Church.

She met the love of her life, Tony Billesimo of Cedar Cliff, NY, and they were married at Sacred Heart Church on September 20, 1953. Their celebration included a joyful "football-style" wedding. Gilda worked in various coat factories in Newburgh, but her most cherished role was as a cafeteria worker at South Junior High School, where she delighted in nurturing and feeding the children she served.

Gilda and her beloved husband, Tony, shared a profound love for their family and God. Their lives were devoted to caring for their children, Gilda's parents, extended family, friends, and their church. Over the years, Gilda was an active member of Sacred Heart Church in Newburgh, St. Joseph's Church in New Windsor, the Columbiettes of Hopewell Junction, and the Catholic Daughters of America.

Gilda is predeceased by her husband, Anthony J. Billesimo Sr., and her brother, Attilio A. Casucci. She is survived by her brother, Donato P. Casucci, and sister-in-law, Julie Gross Casucci, of Purcellville, VA; her son and "best child" Tony Billesimo Jr., and daughter-in-law, Kathy Hedlund Billesimo, of New Windsor; her daughter, Maria Billesimo Verrigni, of Wappingers Falls, NY; her grandchildren, Anthony Billesimo, Michael Billesimo and his wife, Cait Billesimo, of New Windsor, NY, and Mia Verrigni of Wappingers Falls, NY; and her great-grandchildren, Cayden and Giuliana Billesimo. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Brooks Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 19, from 4–7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Newburgh, NY, on Wednesday, November 20, at 10 AM, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery, New Windsor.