ACQUARO, Gerloma (May)

Gerloma "May" Acquaro passed away peacefully at age 87 on June 20, 2002 with her family by her side. She was at peace with herself, accepted pain without complaint, stood forever strong as the matriarch of our family and continued to pass down her wisdom and courage throughout her remaining days. She loved to bake and cook and will always be remembered for her specialty desserts. Always concerned for our well-being above her own, like an angel, she looked out for our safety, undertook our defense and exercised constant solicitude so that no evil could befall us. May was born in Detroit, Michigan and was preceded in death by her husband, Philip. She is survived by her children, Rev. Philip Acquaro, CSB, Shelley Sikora, and Bob Sikora; granddaughter, Brooke Sikora; her sister, Sarah Ruggirello; nieces and nephews, Francis Crimando, Nino Messana, Joe Ruggirello, Anthony Ruggirello, Madeline Cook, Annette Bennett, Kathy Tomasin, Sara Hatfield, Tony Pino; and 20 great-nieces and nephews. In Phoenix: a Memorial Liturgy and Panachida will be held on Monday, June 24, at 7:00 PM, St. Thomas Church, 19 W. Bruce Ave., Gilbert, AZ. In Detroit: a memorial graveside service will be held on June 29 at 11:00 AM, Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd., Mt. Clemens, MI. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to: St. Thomas Church, PO Box 667, Gilbert, AZ 85299. Arrangements by Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, AZ. The Arizona Republic June 23, 2002