Obituary of Geraldine M. De Angelo

Geraldine M. De Angelo of Wappingers Falls entered into rest Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at home surrounded by her family. She was 79. Daughter of the late John F. and Geraldine Leaver Connelly, she was born on June 10, 1937 in Brooklyn. Gerrie settled in Dutchess County in 1971 where should would remain, raising her five children. She broke many stereotypes, especially in the political world, during her life in Wappingers Falls. Gerrie was the first female secretary in the Town of Wappinger Democratic Committee, serving for 4 consecutive chairmen. Later, she became the first female chair of the club; she remained an active committee member for 40 years. Gerrie served in many other areas such as Assistant to the Regional Director of the NYS Assembly Office Speaker Stanley Fink, Director of Military and Naval Affairs for the Southern District of NY, delegate to the 9th Judicial Convention (and ten times consecutively), and Deputy Commissioner for the Dutchess County Board of Elections for 15 years. She had the tremendous honor of attending the inaugurations of both President Carter and President Clinton, as well as the first Clinton Inaugural Ball. In her later years, she most enjoyed spending quality time with her family, traveling between New York and Florida. She was a beloved mother and "Nana"; she lived for her grandchildren. She took them to play in every park she happened upon while driving around in her convertible. Gerrie was so patient and kind, always doing for her friends and relatives. She will be dearly missed. Survivors include her children, Joseph V. De Angelo, Jr. and his wife, Robin of Maybrook, Regina Campanella and her husband, Salvatore of Merritt Island, FL, Albert J. De Angelo and his wife, Christina of Delray Beach, FL, Sean M. De Angelo and his wife, Melissa of Saratoga Springs, and Matthew De Angelo and his wife, Kristin of Clintondale; brother, John F. Connelly and his wife, Judith of Merritt Island, FL; and her beloved grandchildren, Gabriella, Alexandria, Brianna, Miles, Megan, Lucia, Colin, Michael, Mercedes, Brianna and Jordan. She was predeceased by her sister, Adele "Cookie" Naldrett. Family will receive their friends on Monday, May 22, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 E. Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerrie's name to Hudson Valley Hospice, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. The family is so grateful for their kindness and compassion. For directions or to send a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.