Giglia, Madeline M.

Obituary

Madeline M. Giglia (Gaziano)

June 1, 1930 – January 26, 2026 (Age 95)

Fairport, New York

Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother

Predeceased by her husband Samuel C. Giglia and many Siblings

Survived by her beloved Sons Dr. Lewis (Barbara) and Thomas (Kathy) Giglia

Grandchildren Matthew, Adam (Emily), Lisa, Meghan, Rylan Giglia and Jennifer (Frank) Coccho

Great Grandchildren Gia, Anthony, Silas Giglia and Porter Coccho

Many Nieces, Nephews and Friends

In lieu of flowers or donations, please remember Madeline with a smile and pray for her family 

Funeral Mass Monday March 9, 2026 11:30AM at St. John of Rochester Church 8 Wickford Way, Fairport. The Mass will also be live streamed at https://stjohnfairport.org/streaming

Madeline’s Life Story

Madeline M. Giglia – June 1, 1930 to January 26, 2026

Madeline was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived her life for others, always ensuring the people around her were safe, successful, happy, and healthy. She never put herself first; her focus was always on those she loved.

Madeline was the oldest of seven children. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years, Sammy G., who passed away nearly 14 years ago at age 87. Her parents, Phyllis and Carmelo Gaziano, were immigrants from Italy. Carmelo worked as a mason, and Phyllis was a devoted mother and homemaker. They raised their family on North Union Street in Rochester, instilling strong family values and tireless work ethic—qualities Madeline carried throughout her life and passed on to her children.

Shortly after Madeline and Sam were married, Sam’s parents became seriously ill. His father was crippled from working in a coal mine, and his mother was stricken with severe arthritis. Both were unable to work, and the newlyweds quickly set aside their plans to care for them. Madeline and Sam worked multiple jobs to support Sam’s parents and themselves, never hesitating to do what was necessary.

After Sam’s parents died, Madeline and Sam were finally able to focus on building their own family. Their first son, Lew, was born, followed nine years later by Tom. They raised their family on Buckman Road before moving to Sherri Ann Lane in Greece, New York.

Madeline worked full-time at Star Supermarkets for 30 years as a Front-End and Bakery Manager—an impressive accomplishment without a high school degree. At a time when working mothers were uncommon, her job was essential. Madeline and Sam were determined, despite limited financial means, to give their children opportunities they never had themselves. Some say this was a characteristic of “Depression babies.” There was always a bag of pennies tucked away in a closet. Missing school or work—or buying lunch—was never an option. Chores were everyone’s responsibility. Lew cooked when he wasn’t studying or cutting meat in the Star Supermarket meat department, while Tom cut the grass and did the laundry—squeezing in homework after Mom reminded him. 

When she wasn’t working, Madeline loved cooking for everyone, especially Sunday sauce shared with family.

Through relentless hard work and determination, Madeline and Sam provided Lew and Tom with a college education. They insisted that their sons have “skin in the game” in the form of student loans. Lew became a successful podiatrist and founder of Eastside Podiatry. Now retired, he enjoys life with his wife, Barbara, their children, and grandchildren. Tom became an engineer and a successful business professional, holding multiple roles during a 30-year career at Ambrell Corporation. He is now retired and volunteers regularly when not traveling with his wife, Kathy, to visit their children, Meghan in Orlando and Rylan in Denver.

After the passing of her loving husband Sam in March 2012, Madeline lived at Solstice Senior Living Center in Fairport, for thirteen years before moving to The Highlands in Pittsford in May 2025. Solstice was an independent living facility, and Madeline rarely believed she needed help, never wanting to press her emergency alert button. Trips to help her up after falls were frequent in her final years, along with annual visits to Highland Hospital. Still, she always rebounded and returned to Solstice until she required more assistance last May. When Madeline left Solstice, she was—and remains—the longest-tenured resident in the facility’s history. The Director shared that it was rare for anyone to stay longer than five years, let alone thirteen.

Madeline dearly loved her daughters-in-law, Kathy and Barbara, and was grateful that her “boys” had such wonderful wives and mothers to their children, even if they weren’t Italian. After moving to The Highlands, she was blessed to form close friendships with her roommate Joyce—her “Angel of God”—and Barb, affectionately known as “The Bologna Lady,” a staff member at the facility. Their kindness and care meant everything. Weekly bologna sandwiches appeared whenever lunch fell short, and Joyce was always by Madeline’s side, keeping her safe, healthy, happy, and in bed. Madeline, after all, was always trying to get out of bed during the last month of her life.

Thank you to everyone who was part of Madeline’s life and helped create memories that will forever be cherished.

We love you, Mom. Thank you for teaching us not to take it but to go earn it.