Peggy Gurto Obituary

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Margaret (Peggy) Gurto, age 89, a woman of Catholic faith, went to the Lord on November 12, 2013. 

Peggy was born on September 9, 1924 in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of Albert and Madeline (Edel) Harkabus.  She grew up with her two brothers, Bob & Bill Harkabus, and a sister JoAnne Fox.  All preceded her in death.

Peggy graduated with Honors from Woodrow Wilson High School in Youngstown, Ohio.  She volunteered with the U.S.O. during World War II.

She moved to Conneaut, Ohio as a key employee of the Astatic Corporation when the company relocated.  In 1945, she met the love of her life Christy Gurto.  They were married on July 3, 1946 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Conneaut and celebrated 64 wonderful years of marriage.  Peggy also worked for many years as a cashier at the A & P grocery store in Conneaut.

She was an active club woman throughout her life, taking leadership roles in numerous organizations. Her service as President of the Conneaut High School PTA earned her the honor “Club Woman of the Year.”  She served as past president of various groups in Ohio and Florida including the American Legion Auxiliary Post 12, Women’s Club of St. Juliana and St. Paul of the Cross Parishes, and the past secretary of the Ladies of K of C #4999.  Together, she and Christy were active and supported many organizations and charities.

The family moved to Florida in 1966 where they became small business owners of motels and dry cleaning establishments.  For many years, they returned to Ohio during the summer months and ran Pymatuning Bicycle Rentals near the state park.  Always active in church related organizations, the couple made Cursillo #15, and as members of the Lady of Fatima Rosary Society made over 9,000 rosaries that were blessed and distributed to nursing homes and to the poor all over the world.  Peggy was an integral part of Christy’s ministry to Hope Rural Catholic School and R.J. Hendley Christian School, and continued to support them.

She donated her time, her arts and crafts and needlepoint to the St. Juliana’s and St. Paul’s yearly Bazaars.    She knitted numerous mohair sweaters for her teenage daughters and knitted all her children and grandchildren scarves and hats, as well as personalized dog blankets for the family pets. She enjoyed playing bridge and continued to read the newspaper bridge column daily.

Peggy made the most delicious spaghetti sauce and meatballs for her Italian family, but seldom ate Italian food.  She enjoyed making balish, apple crisp, pecan pies, and pizzelles for her family and friends.  She and Christy loved to go dancing at the American Legion and Knights of Columbus functions.  Peggy always loved having the latest fashions and shoes and dressed to the “9’s” her entire life.  She and Christy shared a wonderful, loving life together.

Christy passed away on March 15, 2011 and left a void in her heart.  She lived with her daughter and son-in-law Michele & Michael DeLong until her death, and was happy to be the caregiver to the family’s dog Holly.  Her charitable deeds continued as she donated her entire household to charities that helped needy single mothers and Vietnam vets get back on their feet.

She was a woman who was devoted to God and to her family.  She will be greatly missed by her loving daughters and sons-in-law Diane & Barry Vorse, Jacksonville, FL, Lynne & Henry Quartullo, West Palm Beach, FL and Michele & Michael DeLong, Port Orange, FL, and her adoring grandchildren: Alan & Shannon Vorse of Bloomington, MN, Steven & Tara Veil of Brandon, FL, Lauren Veil of Jupiter, FL, James DeLong of West Palm Beach, FL and Jared & Erin DeLong of Valdosta, GA.

She will also be remembered by family and lifelong friends who loved her dearly: Pat & Gayle Gurto, Lorraine Gurto, B-Ann Gurto, Lee Armeni, Ruth Gerics, Eddie Zappitelli, Gordon Fox, and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.  She touched the lives of all those who were fortunate to have known her.

The family will receive friends at the Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 1201 South Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL on Sunday, November 17 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.  A celebration of her life and Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Monday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, North Palm Beach.  A private burial will be held at Royal Palm Memorial Gardens in West Palm Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Hope Rural Catholic School 15929 SW 150^th Street, Indiantown, FL  34956 or R.J. Hendley Christian School 2800 Avenue R, Riviera Beach, FL  33404.

LET THIS BE HER EPITAPH:  A LOVING WOMAN, MOTHER AND WIFE WHO LED AN EXEMPLARY LIFE THAT WAS FULL AND RICH.  SHE WAS DEVOTED TO HER FAITH, HER FAMILY AND HER FRIENDS.  SHE WILL BE MISSED.  REST IN PEACE.

Condolences can be sent via the guest book at www.quattlebaum.com.