Gail Scarpelli, 84, Devoted Mother, Nurse, and Friend to All

Gail Scarpelli, a loving mother of three, grandmother of eight, lifelong nurse, and vibrant spirit, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 25, 2025. She was 84.   Known for her unwavering devotion to family and her zest for life, Gail was the kind of person everyone could count on. She was a source of strength, comfort, and endless humor, always ready to help—whether it was a scraped knee, sound life advice, or a dance in the living room to brighten the day.

Gail began her nursing career at just 17 and continued caring for others into her 70s. She had two nursing families, having worked several decades at both Nyack Hospital and Helen Hayes Hospital. Nursing was her passion and her career. She was a walking encyclopedia of medical knowledge and home remedies, and she generously shared her wisdom with all who needed it. Her stories, humor, and heart of gold left a mark on everyone she met.

She had an innate ability to connect with people—young or old, strangers or friends. Gail could light up any room with her warm smile and struck up conversations wherever she went, often making friends while simply waiting in line. Her deep love for dogs, especially her recent four-legged sidekick Bruno, was part of what made her so easy to love. She was referred to as “The one who laughs a lot” by some of our extended family.

Gail’s wacky humor, quirky charm, and love of music and dance brought joy to those around her. She had a remarkable flair for shopping, often outpacing those half her age and never failing to strike a better deal at the register. She was also proud of her famously strong legs—often joked to be those of a 20-year-old—and wore that compliment like a badge of honor.   To her children and grandchildren, she was a constant: a dependable voice, a tireless cheerleader, and a one-of-a-kind presence. No two people knew the same “version” of Gail, but all who loved her agree—she did things her way. She was a tough cookie with a generous heart, and there won’t be a day that goes by without a thought of “How would Mom do this?” or “That’s such a Grandma thing.”

Gail is survived by her three children: Michael Scarpelli and his wife Colleen, Lynn Scarpelli and her partner Walter Carey, and Mark Scarpelli and his wife Megan. She was the proud grandmother of eight: Alim, Jack, Sophia, Rochelle, and Logan in New York; Nicholas, Michael III, and Joseph in Ohio, along with their mother, Elizabeth Scarpelli. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Lynn DePol, and her husband Donald.

Her family takes comfort in knowing Gail is now in a better place, surrounded by all her favorite things and watching over them, still doing what she did best—helping in her own unique way. We know she will be looking over us every day, still doing what she does best - looking for an opportunity to help us in our journey of life. She was deeply loved and will be missed every single day.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Gails name to “Dementia Society of America” More help is needed https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate

Services for our Mother will be held at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home, 71 North Central Highway, Garnerville, NY 10923 on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 11am-3pm.