Services Set For Longtime Owner Of Ocean City's Tahiti Inn

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Mario Gallelli was a well-known business owner in Ocean City. He was also a skilled gardener and craftsman who valued faith and family.

Gallelli, 84, died Sunday at home surrounded by family, according to his obituary.

Born in Santa Caterina, Catanzaro, Italy in 1935, Gallelli married Triestina (Paparo) on Sept. 3, 1961. They moved to the United States a year later.

They lived in South Philadelphia for almost 27 years. Gallelli opened his first business, "Gallelli Brothers Auto Repair," in Lester, Pennsylvania.

Then in 1989, their family moved to Ocean City, where Gallelli bought the Tahiti Inn & Apartments.

Gallelli enjoyed working on his prized gardens, which were a background for the photos of family, friends, customers and tourists. He was also a skilled craftsman who could maintain and repair anything.

But most of all, he valued family, sharing in big occasions and Sunday dinners. Gallelli, strong in his faith, was also a parishioner of Saint Damien Parrish.

He is survived by the following: his wife Triestina Gallelli, son Pasquale J. Gallelli (Antonette), daughter Cecilia Gallelli-Keyes (Douglas & Dylan D'Alfanso), son Franco Gallelli (Lori), brother Victorio Gallelli (Maria), sister Maria Cecilia Gallelli, sister-in-law Maria Gallelli, and his grandchildren Mario, Carlo and Julianna Gallelli, Joseph and Luciano Keyes, Franco Gallelli.

Mario is preceded in death by his father Pasquale Gallelli, mother Cecilia Rillio, and his brother Joseph Gallelli.

A viewing will take place 6-8 p.m. Friday at The Godfrey Funeral Home (4008 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township) and against from 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Augustine RC of St Damien Parish (1310 Ocean Ave., Ocean City). A mass of Christian burial will follow, and entombment will be held Monday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Mario Gallelli to the following: Ocean City Education Foundation at www.ocnjef.com or The Children's Hospital Foundation, PO Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178.

"The Tahiti Inn is one of the best places to stay in Ocean City," JiLLy's Stores wrote on Facebook. "Mario was an amazing, hardworking neighbor who built a beautiful family business. He will be missed by many."

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