Gloria Shackel

Gloria Shackel was born in New York City on March 9, 1924, to Luigi and Maria Michaela Pepe. She was the youngest of five siblings, Nancy, Dominic, Lee, Connie, and Rita. 

 Growing up during the Great Depression she had stories about “making do” and surviving through some tough economic times. She was part of what we so fondly admire as the “Greatest Generation.” 

 She attended Columbus High School in the Bronx and after graduating in 1941 she went to work to help with family finances. In 1943, she was working on the home front for Western Electric, supporting the war effort by helping with the manufacturing of electronic components used in aircraft. There she met her future husband, Paul Shackel in 1944. Paul enlisted in the army in 1945 and returned from occupied Europe in 1947. They married on June 26, 1949. 

 After marriage, Paul and Gloria moved to a three-room apartment in her parents' home on Gillespie Avenue in the Bronx. It was a small apartment; however, it gave them the shelter they needed as Paul went to school at NYU on the GI bill and began his career working for New York State. She cherished her family, and weekend visits with siblings, nephews, nieces, and other relatives were a common event.

 As Gloria supported Paul’s career, they left New York City and moved to Long Island in 1969, along with her mother and sister Rita. For about 10 years Gloria worked seasonally for the IRS. She began her career at the IRS working the night shift, and later she worked regular hours. 

 She loved her family, and sacrificed much to give her husband, children, and family advantages she did not have growing up during the depression era. She always did it with good humor and a smile. She always told us that we need to “turn the page” so that we could explore new beginnings and new relations with people. Gloria was an avid reader and enjoyed reading biographies and keeping up with current events.

 She is survived by her daughter Karen Shackel Varacalli, son-in-law Michael Varacalli, grandson Michael Paul Varacalli who is engaged to fiancee Venetia Kamath, son Paul A. Shackel, daughter-in-law Barbara Little, along with many nieces and nephews. Her courage, strength, and sacrifice are her legacy that we remember and cherish. 

 In lieu of flowers, please think about supporting one of Gloria’s favorite charities:

 Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Graymoor

P.O. Box 

Garrison, NY 10524

www.AtonementFriars.org

 or 

 St. Labre Indian School

112 St Labre Way Campus Drive

Ashland, Montana 59003

  St. Labre Indian School