Norma L. Garritano 1932-2024

Norma was born Jan. 10, 1932, in Campbell, to Ernesto D’Egidio and Lucia Pantaleo D’Egidio. Norma graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, attended Youngstown State University, formerly Youngstown College, and received her certificate in cosmetology.

While attending Woodrow Wilson High School, Norma met the young man who would become the love of her life and future husband, Nicholas J. Garritano. In 1953, Norma and Nicholas were married at St. Dominic Church in Youngstown and thus began a journey of 52 years together in a beautiful and blessed love story. The couple moved to Chicago in 1955, where Nicholas attended medical school and Norma worked as a beauty consultant at Saks Fifth Avenue on the famed Magnificent Mile. While employed at Saks, Norma built a substantial clientele that included several well-known celebrities of the time, such as Zsa Zsa and Eva Gabor, Miss USA and Jeanette Markus. In 1959, the couple returned to Youngstown, where Norma assisted her husband in setting up and opening his medical practice.

Although Norma dedicated her life to being a loving wife and mother of two children, she also found time to serve the community and to volunteer for numerous charitable causes. Norma was a founding member of the medical auxiliary of St. Elizabeth Hospital and chaired several fundraisers benefiting the hospital, such as the charity ball. Norma was also responsible for bringing the well-known professional golfer, Arnold Palmer, to Youngstown for a charitable golf match benefiting the hospital. She was a member of the Steering committee of the Junior Guild which also helped to raise funds for St. Elizabeth Hospital.

Norma developed and organized the Clip and Curl Salon at St. Elizabeth, which served numerous patients and their families over the years. She was a loyal member of the Angels of Easteseals for over 40 years. She chaired numerous fashion shows, as well as the annual Festival of Trees, which helped to raise substantial funds over the years for those in need. Norma chaired fundraisers for the Kidney Foundation and she helped to organize and chair Villarama, which benefited Villa Maria High School. She was a member of the steering committee of the Stambaugh Pillars, which helped to preserve and maintain the Stambaugh Auditorium. During the course of her numerous years of service, Norma was recognized for her dedication and selfless care of others in the community and was awarded “Woman of the Year” by the YWCA in 1994. Finally, Norma co-developed and co-owned Gem Set Jewelry for 25 years. The upscale boutique brought fashion clothing and Brighton jewelry and accessories to Youngstown.

Norma worked tirelessly throughout her life helping others and giving back to the community. However, her greatest joy was raising her two children. She loved being with her family and celebrating and sharing family traditions. Norma loved cooking for her family, traveling, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her best four-legged friend, Topaz.

Norma was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Nicholas J. Garritano, in 2005; her parents, Ernesto and Lucia D’Egidio; and her brother, Dr. Anthony DeGidio.

She is survived by her two children, Dr. Nicholas M. Garritano (Cheryl Beck) and Dr. Nina Garritano (Jeff Glover); her sisters, Eleanor (Patrick) Rich and Mary Lou (David) Baer; her four grandchildren, Matthew, Natalie (Shane), Olivia and Gioia; her two stepgrandchildren, Matthew and Mallory (Zach); and her four great-grandchildren, Sage, Leo, Reagan and Kaiden.

Family and friends may call 10 to 10:50 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Boardman, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m.

Interment will be in Green Haven Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Association of the Miraculous Medal, 1811 W. St. Joseph St., Perrysville, MO 63775; or Easterseals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana Counties, 299 Edwards St., Youngstown, OH 44502.

Norma’s family extends their gratitude and appreciation to Hospice of the Valley for their excellent care of Norma. The family also extends their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional home health aides who showered Norma with love, compassion, kindness and tenderness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman.

Family and friends of Norma may visit www.fox

funeralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Garritano family.

(special notice)