Jessie L. Gagliano

JESSIE L. GAGLIANO (nee Trinca), aged 92 years, beloved wife for 60 years to the late Joseph A. Sr., dear mother of Nancy Farmer (deceased) (Roger), Gina Pumphrey (Roger), Joseph Jr. (Sue), Therese Dragga (Mike), Patrick, Gregory (Keith Slater) and John (Millie), loving grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 10, dearest daughter of the late Pasquale and Nancy (nee Castiglione) Trinca, devoted sister of Mary Ann Finn, Joyce Martino and Patty Deaver, treasured aunt and grand-aunt.

Jessie Lucille Trinca was born in 1933 in Auburn, New York, the first of four daughters born to Pasquale and Nancy Trinca (née Castiglione). From her earliest years, Jessie was surrounded by the love of family. She lived close to her grandparents during childhood and remained deeply connected to her sisters—Mary Ann, Joyce, and Patty—throughout her life. Her days were filled with the companionship of neighbors and cousins, creating a childhood rich in love, laughter, and learning. Jessie became friends with Maria (Giacona, née Vitale) in the fourth grade, and their families grew to be as close as family themselves. The two remained dear friends for the rest of Jessie’s life.

Jessie graduated from West High School, Auburn, NY, in 1951 and soon after proudly completed her studies at Beaux Art Beauty School. On her 19th birthday, December 12, 1952, she became engaged to Joseph Gagliano of Cleveland, Ohio. The couple was married on June 10, 1953, in Auburn, surrounded by both families. They honeymooned in New York City and Niagara Falls before settling in Cleveland, where they would build their life together, always embracing the Sicilian heritage from both sides. Family bonds remained strong over the decades, with frequent trips to Auburn and countless shared memories.

On October 15, 1954, Jessie and Joe welcomed their first daughter, Nancy. By the time Jessie was 36, they were the proud parents of seven children: Nancy Katherine, Gina Marie, Joseph Anthony Jr., Therese Ann, Patrick Joseph, Gregory Charles, and John Michael. As a housewife and mother, Jessie managed her bustling household with remarkable organization and devotion. She ensured her children had everything they needed and taught them essential life skills—how to cook, clean, and care for a home; how to behave with respect; and how to treat others with kindness. She somehow always got everyone where they needed to be, on time, every time. Family dinners were a constant, with everyone gathered around the dining room table each night.

As the children grew up and married, the family continued to grow. Jessie became the proud grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of 10. She often spoke of how wonderful her children were, and they lovingly reminded her that this did not happen by chance. Joe and Jessie raised an extraordinarily close-knit and loving family that has always been—and remains—the core of one another’s lives.

For a short time, Jessie and Joe moved to Lake City, Florida, with their three youngest children, while the older four remained in the Cleveland area. The family reunited in Cleveland in 1981. In 1985, Joe suffered a stroke, and Jessie became his devoted primary caregiver. With unwavering strength, love, and faithfulness, she oversaw every aspect of his care, helping to keep him with his family for 30 more years. In 1988, the couple retired to Lake City, Florida, where they lived for 16 years, enjoying friendships through church, including their neighbor, Bunny, and frequent visits from family. In 2004, they returned to Cleveland to be closer to their children.

Joe and Jessie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary just six months before Jessie lost the love of her life on December 3, 2013. Jessie spoke of Joe every day, kept his picture close at all times, and patiently awaited the day God would reunite them. While she continued to enjoy life after his passing, her heart longed to be with him again. Her final days were spent peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. After a lifetime devoted to caring, teaching, loving, and living her Roman Catholic faith, Jessie was granted well-deserved eternal peace on Christmas Day, 2025.

Jessie will be remembered as a warm, generous, and selfless daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and through all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, but her family takes comfort in knowing that her greatest wish—to be reunited with Joe—has been fulfilled. Together, they are once again side by side, watching over their family and the lives that grew from their beautiful love story.

Please meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church of Communion of Saints Parish (Cedar at Coventry) at 10:30 AM. Burial following in Lake View Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute and celebrate the life of Jessie at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SO. EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just East of Green Rd.) FRIDAY 3-7 PM.