Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Dear Mrs. Gelli, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, Al. While I never really knew him, he built the attic bedroom I shared with my sisters throughout our childhoods. It remains today as he created it in 1967 -- beautiful wood panelling with drawers built into the walls and a cedar lined closet to hold off season clothing. My mother continues to live in the house (built by her father) and that bedroom remains the only room I would never change. While other panelling can look cheap and dated, your husbands workmanship makes this room a classic! Anyone who sees the room remarks on that. I remember Mr. Gelli as a memory in my mind's eye as I was a small child when he worked on our home, but we all knew his name clearly: Al Gelli. (Though I must admit that my sisters and I all thought it was spelled 'Jelly.") I know my memory is little comfort, but I wanted you to know that your husband is remembered, I am sure, by many families whose lives he touched through his work. He certainly is remembered by our family. Please accept our most sincere condolences. Allison Bird (daughter of Roger and Mary Bird, Yardville, NJ)
