Michelina Gargano, 97, passed away at Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home in Niles Monday December 4th at 3:55 a.m.

She was born in Bagnoli Irpino (Avelino), Italy on September 21, 1920 the daughter of Lorenzo  and Rafaella Chieffo Infante. She came to this country on June 2, 1952, with her husband Pietro Gargano and two of their three children. They were married October 24, 1943 and he passed away January 6, 1975.

Michelina enjoyed knitting, crocheting, tending to her vegetable and flower garden and playing the Italian card game Scopa. She also loved watching wrestling, especially her favorite wrestler Rikishi. Her great joy was cooking and baking for her family; homemade pasta every other Sunday. Michelina's favorite saying was "Betta no complain."

Michelina was employed at Niles City Schools from 1975 to 1986 as a custodian helper at Niles McKinley High School. She was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel Society, Immaculate Conception Society, Infant of Prague Society and she was a festival volunteer. She was also a member of Ohio Retired State Employee.

Michelina leaves two sons, Peter Gargano, with whom she made her home, Attorney John and his wife Pam Gargano of Niles, daughter Loren Gargano of Niles, grandchildren Michael Gargano, Jaclyn Gargano (Jonathan Sliwinski), Jonnah (Eric) Anderson, Marissa (Bentley) Reed and great-granddaughters Ava Anderson and Olivia Sliwinski.

Michelina was preceded in death by her parents, brother Michael and sister-in-law Mary, sisters Amelia Infante and Nina Gramaglia.

Her family would like to thank Dr. Subhash Khaterpaul, Dr. David Fredericka and Shepherd of the Valley Nursing Home for their compassionate care.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Joseph Rossi & Sons Funeral Home in Niles, where the Mt. Carmel bereavement ministry will conduct prayers at 6:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 10am Thursday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Niles, preceded by 9:30 a.m. prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Material contributions may be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Family Center Project 20/20, 381 Robbins Avenue Niles Ohio 44446.