Aileen A. Apecelli

Aileen A. Apecelli, 77, of New Castle, passed away the morning of July 21, 2015 at Golden Hill Nursing Home. Born on December 2, 1937 in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Minnie Natale Colao. On November 28, 1959, she married her beloved husband, Dan A. (Dapper) Apecelli, Jr., and the two spent 32 wonderful years together until he preceded her in death on November 5, 1992.

Aileen attended St. Vitus School as a child, and then she later worked there as a cafeteria manager (where she was known as the "Lunch Lady"), crossing guard, and part of the cleaning staff for more than 40 years. Spending her life helping others, she not only fed the children and faculty of St. Vitus but anyone less fortunate or who had come upon hard times. Aileen always had a kind word and a listening ear to all who were in despair. Known as the neighborhood vet, she had a love of animals, took care of all stray dogs with food, water, and compassion, and deeply missed her favorite companion, her yellow lab "Butter". She was the #1 Johnny Mathis fan. Her Sunday morning coffee club was made up of family, friends, and anyone with worries or problems to be solved or good news to be shared. Aileen lived a life of strong faith, the will of God, and a belief that actions always spoke louder than words. She will always be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother whose greatest accomplishment was having the love of her family and friends.

Aileen is survived by her children, Denise Apecelli, Toni Graham, Gary Apecelli, and Danny Apecelli, all of New Castle; brother, Anthony Colao of Akron, OH; granddaughter, Alicia Jo Graham; and great-grandchildren, Amaya and Aryonna. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Charles Graham.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Ed and Don DeCarbo Funeral Home and Crematory 941 S Mill St. A procession will leave the funeral home Friday at 9:30am to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am at St. Vitus Church, officiated by Father Frank Almade.

Interment will take place in St. Vitus Cemetery.